Send us to Perfect Places

"Send us to Perfect Places"
Season	Arabia
Author	Coolio15
Episode Number	12/12
Episode Chronology
Previous	The Art of Hit and Run

Send us to Perfect Places is the twelfth and final episode of Survivor: Arabia.

Challenges

Immunity Challenge Day 37: Temple of the Dog
Each person will race down a down tower via a fireman's pole and slide. They will then maneuver through a series of obstacles collecting bags of puzzle pieces along the way. Once they have their first three bags of puzzle pieces, they will race up the tower via a stairway and drop off their bags at the top. Then they will race back down to get the remaining two bags. They will then head back to the top of the tower and use all their puzzle pieces to solve a puzzle. When their puzzle is complete, three pieces will be missing. The shapes of those missing pieces will reveal the three numbers needed to solve a combination lock. The first person to get it right and raise their flag wins.
Winner: Tanner

Immunity Challenge Day 38: Roundabout
The Final Three have to race out into a maze with turnstiles (most of which move freely, while some cannot move, blocking the path) where they have to collect four medallions. Once they have all four medallions, they then have to use them to open a chest, inside of which are puzzle pieces in the form of wooden cogs. Once the puzzle is put together, they then have to turn the cog raising a flag. The first player to raise the flag wins immunity.
Winner: Tanner

Previously on...Survivor

34 days ago, 16 Americans were stranded in the isolated and arid deserts of the Arabian Peninsula in central Asia. Right off the bat, the two oldest castaways divided the group into two tribes of eight, Ghalilah and Tibat. From the start, the Ghalilah tribe was a mess. Poor leadership, harsh weather elements, and stark divisions among its members plagued them throughout the first half of the game. Tibat, however, flourished in the midst of the dry oasis, only being bogged down by a few sour spots within their tribe. Once the merge hit, alliances only became more fluid as every vote so far has been blindside after blindside. 'Sheri the tribe has spoken.' 'Alan, the tribe has spoken.' 'Dexter, the tribe has spoken' 'Silas, the tribe has spoken.' 'Debbie, the tribe has spoken.' Twelve of these sixteen original castaways have all had their million dollar dream and the title of Sole Survivor snuffed right before their eyes.

Now, only four remain.

Kelsey. The hot-blooded flight attendant quickly found herself on the outs early on. However, she used her connections and sociability to fight back, attending and surviving a total of eight Tribal Councils without any immunity to protect her. However, now that she's without her idol, will she be able to overcome the odds?

“	I feel like I've had my back up against the wall for pretty much this whole game. And you know what? I think I'm actually happy about that. I've learned that I actually work really well under pressure and with how close in sight the end seems, I'm hoping that there is a lot of pressure!(Giggling)	”
–Kelsey

Matthew. The loudmouth Bostonian started making waves the minute that he stepped onto the sand, putting a target on his back instantly. Despite this, he has managed all the attempts to vote him out and even managed to put his name on a few of the biggest plays of the season. Can this boisterous wild card keep a hold on himself long enough to make it to the end?

“	I'm a true Boston native. We say what we mean and we mean what we say. I've never been ashamed of it and I never will be. I'm here to prove that I don't need to change my personality or be some fake ass scrub to win a game like this. I'm happy enough taking names as Matty Saratino, thank you very much.(Grinning)	”
–Matthew

Tanner. In spite of his good looks and "party boy" attitude, this male model has shown his ability to play aggressively throughout the second half of the season. Not afraid to rely on big plays to get himself further, will this unorthodox strategist be able to overcome the physical and mental threat that he's been labeled as to take home a win?

“	This experience has been such a flash bulb for me. I've laughed, yelled, smiled, frowned, felt pretty much every emotion in the book. I know that going into this last lightning round that I'm probably going to have the biggest target on my back. But I'm ready to take it on. I'll say or do anything to make sure I'm sitting at that Final Tribal.	”
–Tanner

And Riley. The bubbly vet from Illinois began the game playing passively. However, since the merge she has shown her social and mental powers of manipulation by setting up and executing several blindsides, some of them being her former allies. Everybody left in the game thinks they are going to the end with her, but will she be able to maintain that dream to make it a reality?

“	I think Survivor has really shown me my devious side. Like, going in I never thought I'd be the type of person who would backstab and manipulate people around like puppets. But that's kind of what I've become and, to be honest, I actually really like it. Villains have more fun as they say, and I'm hoping I can ride that wave all the way to a million dollars!(Smiling widely)	”
–Riley

Find out who conquers the rest and brings home the million dollars tonight on the explosive season finale of...Survivor: Arabia!

Story

Night 34

After the special intro sequence for the finale, the scene is transitioned back to the familiar Aladdin camp. The moon shines brightly in the night sky as tiny critters can be hear scouring and scurrying around, fleeing at the sound of approaching footsteps. The footsteps belong to the final four players left in the game, returning to camp after their last Tribal Council where Debbie was blindsided. With a pouty look on her face, Kelsey sets her torch aside and immediately walks in front of the others, not wanting to even look or speak with any of them after having the wool pulled over her eyes. Both of the men roll their eyes, with Tanner volunteering to put everyone else's torches back as he breathes a sigh of relief.

Tanner(Still a bit rattled): That was certainly...something back there. I don't really know what the hell that all was to be perfectly honest.

Riley nods knowingly, patting him on the back and keeping him calm as the two of them eventually sit around the fire with everybody else.

“	The last thing I heard before Tribal was that Matthew was everyone's target and Kelsey wasn't going to play her idol.(Groaning) I really should've known that that second part was a huge fraud, Kelsey isn't dumb enough to waste her idol after holding it over our heads for the past three days. However, what did confuse and shock me was to not only see her play it on Matthew, but to see both mine and Debbie's names come up tonight. I was nervous as hell about being blindsided beforehand, and I really thought that it was gonna happen after I Probst read my name, but then bam!(Punching his fist against his open palm) Sucker punch comes in and gets Debbie out of nowhere. She was pissed, Kelsey's pissed, and I'm just baffled. I still don't know exactly what happened, but I'm thankful that I'm still hanging around here. That's what matters right now anyway.	”
–Tanner

After a few seconds of idle chatter by the fire, Kelsey finally pipes up as she sees Tanner cozying up to Riley and Matthew again.

Kelsey(With a terse tone): Real funny how it was only four hours ago when you two were as happy as all can be about voting him out and now you're all buddy-buddy again. Funny how that works out, huh?

Riley(Not having it): Yeah, and you're the one who got that ball rolling in the first place so don't even start with me or Matty. You made your bed, Kelsey. Now you have to sleep in it.

Utterly confused and annoyed by this statement, Kelsey starts to get angrier.

Kelsey(Rolling her eyes): What are you talking about? All we ever talked about for the last day or so was blindsiding Tanner and how this was the best move for all of our games! You both agreed to it numerous times! Just because you backed out at the last second doesn't mean it didn't happen!

Seeing Tanner get more and more puzzled by every statement that Kelsey makes about her supposed plan with the other two, Matthew quickly jumps in to fire back.

Matthew(Loudly): That's bulls**t and you know it! You and Debbie were happy to rope us into your little plan because you knew we had to agree to it or you would've just used your idol to make one of us look like fools back there! Why don't you just own the s**tty game you played instead of trying to be a victim again?!

Kelsey(Stomping her feet): You've been a disgusting person the moment that we all landed on this beach together, I don't even want to hear what you have to say!

Matthew can't help but let out a boisterous laugh at this, finding it oh-so-funny to see Kelsey trying to avoid the point of the argument yet again.

“	I'm absolutely pissed right now. Royally and utterly pissed. I literally had everything in the palms of my hands before this vote. I had the numbers, my idol, immunity around my neck, and yet still it backfires on me and I find myself on the outside for, like, the billionth time! Ugh!(Biting her lip) Matthew and Riley switched their votes to Debbie at the last possible second is what it looks like to me. Why they would do that when Tanner was and still is a WAY bigger threat than her I have no clue. I'm just so livid right now. Everything that I had planned just went down the drain in a matter of minutes and now I'm back to fighting for my life in the game.(Sighing disappointedly)	”
–Kelsey

Coming back to the main scene, the screaming match between Matthew and Kelsey seems to be only escalating at this point.

Matthew(Smiling vindictively): Say whatever you want about me. As you can see, I don't really give a f**k. But you CLEARLY do since we just made sure that you aren't the head bitch in charge anymore. No more power tripping for you!

Though Riley softly grabs Matthew's arm, trying to get him to calm down, he shakes her off and keeps going as Kelsey shakes her head and crosses her arms.

Matthew(Getting up in her face): Looks like now you're just gonna be the head bitch of next person voted out. Too bad, so sad.

Kelsey(Keeping herself from tearing up): You're trash. You are literally one of the worst people I've met in a long time. Does your family like to hear you speak like that on a daily basis?

Before Matthew can fire back again, Tanner steps up.

Tanner(Getting between them): Look! I'm just as confused about this whole thing as everybody else here. But can't we just, you know, wait until morning to have all this stuff come out? I mean, we made the final four. We should at least be allowed one night to take that in before things get all chaotic again.

Riley(Nodding): I agree. I think it would be better to talk everything in the morning. There's no need to be yelling at the top of our voices like this.

Brushing her hair to one side, Kelsey simply shakes her head.

Kelsey: Tanner, Riley, congratulations. You guys got me good. I'm telling you both right now that the only person whose name I'll be writing down at the next Tribal is him so you guys can do whatever you want with that. I'm outta here.

As she spins around to head out on her own, Matthew can only laugh at what he sees as a "feeble" attempt to pin the blame onto him seeing that she is clearly still mad from the spout that the two of them just had.

“	Almost thirty-five days in and these people still never change. Both Matty and Kelsey had to get their two cents in as they practically try to light the camp on fire after we get back. They're yelling and hollering, insults going back-and-forth, and I'm just sitting back like what? What the hell are you guys talking about? To me, the fight shows to me how deep this apparent "operation" to get me out ran and it tells me that I have a lot of work to do if I want to get myself back in with a sturdy alliance. Luckily, Riley and Matty seemed to have saved me on this one, but I know that this thing is far from over. If I really want to make it to the end, I'm gonna have to put a whole lot more work into this.(Taking a deep breath)	”
–Tanner

As Matthew is seen retreating into one of the huts, we're now left with just Tanner and Riley sitting around the fire by themselves.

Tanner(Sighing): Welcome to the final four. You're free to leave at any time if you want.

Riley(Giggling): No way. We've made it through too much to drop out now. I'm glad you're still here.

As she gives him a big hug, he slowly wraps his arms around her and sighs.

Tanner(Smiling): I'm glad that you saved me back there. A little heads-up next time would be appreciated though.

The vet tech giggles again before apologizing, pecking him on the cheek before the two of them continue to talk the night away.

“	To me, this vote wasn't about "switching things up at the last second" like Kelsey claims. No, it was about preserving a better ally to me in the game. Debbie and I had a deal, but I'm not so sure that she would've gone through with it when push came to shove. Tanner was definitely the bigger threat, don't get me wrong, but I'd rather have someone who I trust completely and who I know will take me to the end at my side than someone who I'm even a little bit iffy on. Yeah, I pissed Kelsey off, but she'll get over it. She always does. And when she does, I'll have another array of options for a final two again. Funny how things kind of circle back like that.(Giggling mischievously)	”
–Riley

A shot of Kelsey curled up and cooling her head by the lagoon is shown along with individual shots of Matthew and Tanner as well before the scene is transitioned to the main intro sequence for the season.

Survivor Arabia

Day 35

Opening back up, the camera glides past various sand dunes and vegetative areas within the barren desert before settling on the familiar oasis that has been showcased all season. The bright yellow Aladdin flag stands loud and proud, the sun beaming down to create a hot and beautiful day. Moving into the main area of the camp, the fire is heard crackling as the view expands to show the two men lounging around it and chatting. Soon enough, Riley emerges from the closer of the two huts and greets both of them with a smile.

Riley(Jumping up and down): Day thirty-five everyone! We friggin' made it!

Tanner(Chuckling): I know, it's pretty awesome. You're still the only person I know though that can wake up with that much pep in their step.

Riley(Snarkily): Shut up, old man! Get a sense of excitement why don't you?

Matthew bursts out laughing at Riley's pointed jab towards the age of the male model as Tanner simply chuckles and rolls his eyes.

“	Waking up and realizing I made it to day thirty-five was such an awesome feeling. When I first got out here, I told myself that if I made it into the double digits, I'd be proud of myself and that that's all I wanted. Well, put some tape over "that past me's" mouth because I'm in the final four and I am loving it!(Giggling) I actually might have a solid chance at winning this whole thing so that's probably where a lot of the energy is coming from as well. Shhh, don't tell the others though! I don't want to go bragging about all that right now.(Putting her fingers to her lips)	”
–Riley

After taking a seat and jumping into the conversation that the two guys were having, Riley eventually gets to ask a question of her own.

Riley(Seemingly concerned): So how are doing this morning, Tanner? You know, after last night and all?

Tanner(Taking a deep breath): It's been a lot to take in. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still a little bit paranoid, but I'm feeling better now that I have an actual grasp on the situation.

As both Riley and Matthew nod along to Tanner's explanation, the restaurant manager jumps in to make sure that they're all on the same page with what is being talked about.

Matthew: And that grasp has told you who the real liar and cheater in all of this is right? I mean, she literally had all of us jumping through her hoops just to make sure we didn't get targeted with HER idol!

A shot of Kelsey wading through the lagoon by herself is shown before it comes back to the group by the fire.

Tanner(Nodding): Oh, definitely. I didn't trust her to begin with but last night just confirms that she's no good for my game. I admire her wanting to make a move, but not one that involves me ending up with my torch snuffed!

Riley(Patting him on the back): Exactly. Me and Matty both had similar sentiments and we felt that you had been much more loyal to us overall than either of those girls. Debbie was way too big of a wild card anyway.

Matthew(Nodding along): And the only reason that we went along with it was because of her idol. If she didn't have that thing to hang over our heads, we would have never agreed to such an idiotic plan.

Though Tanner continues to nod, he does seem a bit weirded-out by Matthew's eagerness. Noticing this, Riley smiles and gestures to Matthew to stop running his mouth as Tanner tries to keep up with the conversation.

“	From what I've gathered about last night's vote, there had been a plan in place a few days before to oust me because I was seen as this big triple threat. Now, I will go on the record and say that I think that assessment is pretty spot on. But I'm not dumb enough to go and proclaim that to the rest of the tribe!(Chuckling) Hell yeah I'm gonna deny it and let Kelsey look like the bad guy! She's the one who spearheaded the idea and used her immunity idol as leverage to bring the other three onto her side. However, Matty and Riley, being the "saviors" that they are, decided to switch their votes to Debbie before Tribal because they thought that they could trust me more than her.(Shrugging) And that's pretty much what I've got. Right now, I don't really have a whole lot of thoughts on the matter. My main strategy at the moment is to keep gathering information from all parties and make my own assessment on what really went down here.	”
–Tanner

Coming back to the group again, Matthew is now seen leaning in and talking in a quieter tone.

Matthew(Whispering): You guys probably already know this, but she's my next target personally. I think it's about time we finally cut the head off the snake and end her miserable charade.

Once again, a shot of Kelsey sitting along the shore of the lagoon and picking at her nails is shown before it comes back to the center area of camp.

Tanner(Nodding): I mean, that was my assumption going forward. Once she got rid of the idol, we get rid of her.

Riley(Jumping in): As long as she doesn't win immunity, of course.

Tanner(Scathingly): Right. I forgot that she can actually do that now.

The two of them chuckle a bit at Tanner's diss towards the flight attendant before Matthew steps back in to get his point across.

Matthew(A bit frantic): So you guys are good then, right? Kelsey's out of here next?

Tanner: Yep. All good.

Matthew(Breathing a sigh of relief): Whew! Awesome. Then all we need to do is sit tight and kick ass in this challenge. Hopefully she won't get lucky twice.

Riley(Half-joking): Don't jinx it!

The group shares in a bit more laughing and chatting as the focus moves over to a very excitable looking Matthew.

“	After the big blindside last night, Riley made the point of getting Tanner back on our side so that we'd have a solid three against Kelsey going into the challenge. For me, I personally don't care that much either way. Even though Kelsey tried to out me after this last Tribal, I still see her and Tanner on the same level. I don't trust them, I don't like them, and I find them equally threatening. Me and Riley have all the power now so I honestly don't care who goes next because the results are still going to be the same. Either way, I plan on going to the end with Riley so now it's up to me and her to decide which loser we want to bring with us to the three.(Chuckling loudly)	”
–Matthew

A shot of Matthew smirking and laying down by the fire is shown before the scene is transitioned over to the water well. Tanner and Riley seem to have dispersed from the main camp area and away from Matthew as the two begin to have a private conversation while filling up their respective canteens.

Tanner(Wiping his brow): Ugh, sometimes it's nice to just get away, you know?

Riley(Nodding and smiling): I feel you. Thirty-five days with the same people can really take a mental toll on all of us.

The model nods vehemently, indicating his agreement with that as he sighs and rests his shoulders on the top of the water well.

“	What I do know about the current state of our tribe now is that Matty is now more confident than ever. He's smiling, laughing, boasting, he's pretty much done a complete 180 compared to a few days ago when he was off by himself for most of the time. I mean, good for him and all but I'll be the first person to say that I'm not too happy with him at the moment.(Shaking his head) I've never trusted the dude, even from the very beginning I was cautious when Dexter wanted to string him along because he just seemed like bad news. Three weeks later, I can proudly say that I was right. I don't jive with him, I don't trust him, and now I'm starting to get wary of his relationship with Riley. She's been my closest ally since the summit and I'm not about to let him and his big mouth come and break things up. Nuh-uh.(Crossing his arms)	”
–Tanner

After cutting from his confessional, Tanner can be seen starting to confess some of his issues with the Bostonian to Riley during their private discussion.

Tanner(Sighing): Seriously though, I know that you and him are close and stuff, but I do not get good vibes from Matty. Even back there earlier, he just wouldn't stop pushing and hammering down on me.

Riley(In an understanding tone): I know. He can get pretty annoying sometimes. I guess I've just learned to drown it out a bit more.

Tanner: Yeah, well I don't exactly operate like that. Especially since he still has that stupid jury vote in his back pocket.

Riley leans back, remembering that Matthew had selfishly opened the final Aladdin's Lamp twist for himself at the previous reward.

Riley(Her shoulders stiffening): That's true. He can be quite a wild card when he wants to be.

Tanner: Like I said before, I've forgiven you for hiding this whole blindside plan from me because I know that you still have my back. Him? I'm not convinced. I just think he wants to make as many big moves and cause as much trouble as he can before it's game over.

Riley continues to nod along, getting a very good sense of how Tanner feels about potentially heading into a final three scenario with her and Matthew.

“	From what I can tell, I think that I've managed to mend any fractures between me and Tanner that might've occurred during the last vote. I feel like we're back on the same page, which is awesome. What kind of sucks though is that there is still some bad blood between the two boys. They've apparently had issues since the early days and I think a lot of animosities has carried over and been amplified by all the double talk that's been happening since Dex's blindside. They don't work well together, but they're both supposed to be my closest allies right now. So that kind of leaves me in a pickle...again.(Giggling nervously)	”
–Riley

The camera continues to focus on Riley as she bites her lip while listening to Tanner rant on about his distrust in fellow alliance member Matthew.

Tanner(Forceful): Don't get me wrong, I'm mad at Kelsey. What she tried to pull pisses me off. Thing is, I know exactly where she stands now. I can't say the same thing about Matthew and that's what makes me wary of him.

Riley keeps trying to soothe the model, not wanting him to start getting emotional about the vote.

Riley(Nodding): I get what you mean, Tanner. But, at the same time, we only have four days left. We can't afford to freak out and leave someone like Kelsey in at this stage. It's too risky.

Tanner(Rebutting her): It's gonna be risky either way. I don't want to be a d**k or anything but I'd rather get rid of the frightened weasel in Matty than the sure thing with Kelsey. We're going to the end either way. It's simply a different route that we take.

At this, Tanner shrugs as Riley sighs and continues to nod along, knowing that any further protest would just draw more suspicion onto her.

“	It's so hard for me to sit back and listen to Tanner rant and rave about how much he doesn't trust Matthew and how we should actually go for him before we go for Kelsey. Ugh, I want to scream!(Giggling) Like, I want to tell him that he is being a straight up idiot by wanting to dispose of the biggest goat in the game for a girl who actually has quite a few friends on the jury and has played a pretty decent game so far. Ugh, but I know that saying that to him would be a death wish. I don't want to come off as selfish and brooding, but I don't think that simply turning on Matthew is my best move. Oh, the predicaments that I get myself into.(Sighing)	”
–Riley

After cutting from her confessional, Riley is seen grabbing her canteen and ending off the conversation with her ally.

Riley: Let's just keep our cool and see how things go from here. I see where you're coming from, I just don't want to be rash here.

After another sigh from him, Tanner musters up a smile and a nod, conceding that jumping the gun when they're both so close to the end would be a big mistake. He gives her a one-arm hug before the two of them exit the area and the scene cuts to black.

Day 36

Opening back up, the camera shows a beautiful shot of the sun rising and shining upon the sandy terrain of the Arabian Desert. The scene is quickly set within the oasis that houses the Aladdin camp as both Riley and Kelsey are highlighted walking off together, presumably to go check for treemail. As they walk along the lone path together, their conversation inevitably turns strategic in light of the somewhat strained relations between the two after the previous vote.

Riley(Sighing): I hope we have something good today. I'm dying for another challenge!

Kelsey(A little less enthused): Me too. No more idols and no more get out of jail free cards. It's just immunity from now on.

Avoiding eye contact, Riley can't help but cringe a bit at Kelsey's passive-aggressive reference to the last Tribal in which she wasted her idol on Matthew.

“	Ever since this last vote, I've basically been avoided around these parts like the plague. I had my idol flushed, my plan ruined, and now I'm back at rock bottom yet again.(Sighing) Part of me literally just wants to give up and end it already. I've been in this position so many times that I don't think I can ever get out of it no matter how hard I try. However, I do also realize that I am still here. Despite all the craziness that has come my way in these past few days, I'm still standing and I am a part of the final four. There's no denying that anymore. So, even if everything inside of my brain is telling me to quit, I'm not going to give in. This game has taught me that I'm a fighter to the very end and I intend to stay true to that role no matter how bad the circumstances are.(Smiling hopefully)	”
–Kelsey

This hopeful mentality going through her mind, Kelsey immediately recants that statement and apologizes, knowing that showing her negative side is a huge mistake.

Kelsey(Frowning): Sorry, that was really rude of me.

Riley(Facing her): No, it's okay. You have the right to be mad, after all.

After taking a deep breath, Kelsey starts to open up a bit.

Kelsey(Bringing her guard down): It is just a game. Even though I'm upset about how things turned out, making snippy comments about it definitely isn't going to help.

Riley continues to nod along, happy to see that her friend is trying her best to put on a brave face.

Kelsey(Sighing): Besides, my real beef is with Matthew anyway.

Riley(Giggling): Oh, don't worry. You made that abundantly clear after the last vote.

Kelsey: Seriously though, it amazes me how someone like him can scream and holler his way to the final four and still think that they're a respectable person and player. He's beyond delusional and putting his name down at the very least would bring me some satisfaction.

Listening to her start to go on and on about her dislike of Matthew, Riley can't help but feel familiar vibes from her previous conversation with Tanner the day before.

“	I'm honestly baffled at how things have turned out so far. I thought the last vote would've drawn a huge line in the sand and that I would be completely at risk of getting turned on. However, that doesn't seem to be the case since both Tanner and Kelsey have separately brought me aside to detail all their frustrations with Matthew.(Sighing) Ah, how the world works sometimes. Even though he is my ally and a perfect goat for the endgame, a little bit of me finds relief in this because it's much better than those two going to Matty about wanting me out. As of now, Kelsey is still my target and the more that I get told by her that he's a "terrible" person, the more I want to keep him around so that he can stir the fun up for me.(Grinning)	”
–Riley

Cutting back to the conversation between the girls, the flight attendant is seen making her case to Riley once again.

Kelsey: Like I told you and Tanner before, my vote is pretty much decided by now. Unless he somehow pulls out an immunity win then I'm all in on voting Matthew out. You guys do what you want with that info, I'm just putting all of my feelings out onto the table so that there's no confusion about where I lie anymore.

Riley(Nodding): I completely understand. I don't really know where Tanner is gonna fall yet since I know he's still a bit peeved about the plan to blindside him, but I'm definitely keeping an open mind. Nothing is set in stone right now, not when we're this close to the end.

Feeling a bit of hope and despair hit her at once, Kelsey just gives a simple nod before she and Riley begin to continue their trek to treemail.

“	It's so funny how Riley has continuously backstabbed me but also saved me in this game. I'm starting to wonder if she's, like, bipolar or something because I seriously can't get a handle on what she's gonna do. However, both Matty and Tanner have good reasons to not want to keep me around any longer so even though it feels like I'm beating a dead horse, I'm still giving Riley every offer that I can so that she'll keep me around. Aside from some miraculous immunity win, she's pretty much all I have left out here.	”
–Kelsey

A shot of Riley fiddling with one of her braids as she chats up Kelsey is shown before the view is transitioned to an overhead shot of the Arabian Desert. Following a few sweeps and swoops through the dry terrain, the camera eventually stops and settles on a squared-off area of the desert that is the site for the castaways’ next immunity challenge. Structures and obstacles are abounding as a smirking Jeff Probst is seen standing in front of it all, excited and ready to get going with the next challenge.

Probst: Come on in, guys!

All of the remaining members of the Aladdin tribe make their way in from the right, stopping on their bright yellow tribe mat with big smiles on all of their faces despite the pressure and anxiety that are surrounding this upcoming challenge.

Probst: Alright, are you guys ready to get to today's immunity challenge?

With eager nods and hardy affirmations, Probst immediately launches into his explanation of the challenge's basic rules and functions. After going over exactly how the competition will work overall, he tells the castaways that they will draw for spots before getting started.

• On Probst's signal, all four competitors quickly race over to their fireman's pole, sliding down that and the slide as fast as they can so they can reach the bottom of the towering structure.
• Off the bat, the two men seem to have gained a slight lead as they both begin to maneuver through different obstacles to reach their respective first bags. The girls are not far behind, however, as they also go to unoccupied obstacles to avoid any potential confrontations or roadblocks.
• The camera immediately moves its focus onto Tanner, who is able to conquer the balance beam obstacle with ease as he is seen swiftly untying his first bag before making his way back to his table, throwing the bag down, and going out for another one.
• Both Matthew and Kelsey are not too far behind though. They obtain their first bags at virtually the same time before heading back to their respective stations. Due to some struggling on the A-frame obstacle, Matthew edges out the flight attendant while Riley is still seen climbing her way across a series of bamboo posts.
• As he grabs his second bag, it is clear that Tanner is in command of this challenge as he gets back through the netting without any problem before heading out for his third bag.
• By the time that Riley is finally heading back with her first bag, Tanner is already racing back up the stairs with three in tow. Seeing at how fast the model is progressing, the other competitors begin to push themselves even more to try and catch up.
• Once Tanner reaches the top, Matthew is seen grabbing his first three bags and climbing his way back up the stairs with Kelsey right on his tail.
• As all three of them drop off their puzzle bags and begin to head back down to solid ground, the gaps between them stay relatively the same as Kelsey struggles on the fireman's pole while the two boys continue to excel at the obstacles.
• A very tired looking Riley is seen rolling her eyes as she finally comes back with her third bag, grimacing at how far behind she's gotten, having to hear Probst shout about how Tanner has already retrieved his fourth bag as she begins making her way back up the towering structure.
• As the vet tech is seen sliding down into the hay, all three of the other competitors are now on their last bags.
• Having found themselves on the same obstacle, Tanner and Matthew cross paths on the A-frame. Not wanting to waste any of his lead, the former shoves past the latter in a very aggressive manner, much to the annoyance of the restaurant manager as he clings on for dear life so that he doesn't fall and have to start the obstacle over.
• This little maneuver from Tanner allows him to increase his lead over Matthew and Kelsey as he retrieves his remaining two bags from his station and begins to sprinting back up the stairs so that he can get a head start on the puzzle.
• Knowing that they are falling out of it, the other three attempt to kick it into overdrive so that they can try and catch Tanner on the puzzle. Soon enough, everybody except for Riley has all of their bags and is heading for the very top of the main structure.
• When it comes to the puzzle, both Kelsey and Tanner catch on real quick, allowing them to breeze through this portion while Matthew simply falls out of the competition.
• For the last part, the lead that Tanner acquired along with his superior athleticism is what allows him to swiftly match the shapes to the numbers, run back up, enter in his code, and successfully release his flag.

Probst: TANNER WINS IMMUNITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raising the release device from his combination lock, Tanner can't help but pump his fist and shout in light of his victory, incredibly pleased with himself to have dominated the challenge and earned a spot in the final three so handily. Riley, who is seen to still be down at the obstacles, can be heard shouting in frustration.

Riley(Annoyed): What the hell?! I didn't even get to start my puzzle, Tanner!

Tanner(Chuckling): Sorry, baby! I didn't want to be here all day!

The vet tech rolls her eyes at her ally's jab at her, knowing full well that his win is definitely pumping his ego back up following the events after Tribal. Kelsey, however, looks less than happy that she was so close to a win that she knew she needed badly only to have it slip through her fingers. Seeing her frustration start to come out, Matthew can't help but smirk, patting Tanner on the back and congratulating him as he simply basks in the reward of seeing the flight attendant mope. The view eventually distorts for a second or two before coming back to a view of the final four on their tribe mat. Probst calls Tanner over soon enough in order to put the immunity necklace around his neck.

Probst: Tanner, congratulations. You have won immunity and guaranteed yourself a one-in-three shot of winning this game along with the million dollars that comes along with it. As for everyone else, somebody is about to fall just short of that dream. Tribal Council tomorrow night where one you will become the thirteenth person voted out of Survivor: Arabia and the next member of our jury. You'll have the rest of today and tomorrow to decide who will hold that distinction. Head on back to camp.

Tanner is seen thanking Probst once more before he and the other three remaining castaways begin to grab their things and head out. The camera focuses in on a close-up of Matthew as he side glances to a disappointed looking Kelsey.

“	So Tanner won the immunity today. Whoop-di-freaking-doo, blah blah blah, whatever. Let the big jerk have it for all I care. What really matters is that Kelsey didn't get it. She's target numero uno for all of us and her not winning today was basically the final nail in her coffin as far as I'm concerned. No more bossiness and no more of her telling us what to do. It's time for the cockroach to finally get squashed.(Chuckling)	”
–Matthew

Individual shots of both Matthew and Kelsey are highlighted before the view is zoomed out and cut to a commercial break.

Day 37

The view opens back up to the morning after the previous immunity challenge, the sun just starting to climb higher up into the sky and heat up the arid confines of the Arabian Peninsula. A few swift shots of wildlife grace the screen before the camera finally settles on the center area of the Aladdin camp. Both Kelsey and Matthew are seen to still be fast asleep while Riley is viewed spending some time in the lagoon by herself, leaving Tanner to tend to the fire and take care of things around camp for the morning. He, however, does not seem to mind as it highlights him glancing over to his newly-won immunity necklace and grinning, feeling incredibly comfortable with his current position.

“	I'm feeling pretty damn great right now, to be completely honest!(Chuckling loudly) It's not every day that someone gets a free pass to the final three in this game but I won the challenge yesterday and it's a pretty awesome feeling. With how pressured and tight things have gotten around camp, I have no problem showing off how big of a challenge threat I am anymore. I might've been worried about that a week or two ago, but I'm just trying to survive at this point and I don't give two s**ts about what the others are gonna perceive me as. All I care about is getting to that end goal and making my case for the Sole Survivin' title. That's all that's on my mind right now and it's definitely going to play a role in my vote tonight. I'll just say that much.(Crossing his arms)	”
–Tanner

After showing one more shot of Tanner sitting back and lounging near the fire, the scene transitions to a bit later in the day as the male model is now seen meeting up with Riley to talk about the impending vote.

Riley(Smiling): So congratulations aside, what are you thinking for tonight? Are you still leaning towards Matt?

Tanner(Nodding): I am. I just think it's best to get him out now while we still can.

Knowing that he would most likely confirm this, Riley sighs and nods along.

Riley: Part of me is really nervous about that jury vote thing that he has. But at the same time I'm thinking, like, is he really worth getting rid of over Kelsey? I mean, I don't know if keeping her around is the smartest move.

Tanner(Shaking his head): For me, I'd feel a lot more comfortable with Matthew out of the equation. I know it's crazy considering the way that she tried to stack the deck against me but I don't really see Kelsey as much of a threat. Without that idol, she's not really all that threatening.

The vet tech nods, though Tanner can see that she is struggling with this decision.

Tanner(Trying to ease her tension): I know that you guys are close, but I'm really scared that he's gonna try and fracture us. I just don't trust him as much as you do and I think that as a unit if we want the best chance at getting to final two, taking Matty out right now is our best bet.

As she pushes her braided hair aside, Riley continues to nod along to Tanner's plea to turn on Matthew for this next vote.

“	I want Matthew out. The dude has been nothing but hostile and volatile to me for a while now and I just don't trust him. He's no good for my game. The hard part that comes with trying to make that happen is getting Riley on board with it. For a while now, she's been the one in our alliance who's constantly kept Matthew in the loop and prevented him from flying off the handle so many times. She's gotten some level of trust and loyalty from him so I can see why it might be hard to vote him out at this point. However, for me, Matthew going is my best move. He's my biggest competition in physical challenges right now so him going would increase my odds of taking home that final immunity as well. Now, I don't want to outright say that to Riley since it makes me look like a selfish a**hole...(Chuckling)...but it's definitely part of my motivation for getting Matthew out next.	”
–Tanner

As the two of them continue to talk, Riley motions to Tanner to stop talking as she sees Kelsey approaching them.

Riley(Grinning widely): Hey, what's up?

Kelsey(Shrugging): Nothing much. Just wanted to see where everyone wandered off to.

Both Tanner and Riley nod as the flight attendant is quick to butt in on their conversation, very eager to get in on the mix.

Kelsey(In a serious tone): I am glad that I found you guys though. I was hoping we could all talk as a group before Tribal.

Tanner(Smirking): Without Matthew?

Kelsey(Giggling): You guessed it. Like I've been repeating for the last two days, he's my vote tonight. I just personally don't think he deserves to be here anymore, you know?

Both Tanner and Riley nod along to this statement, though Tanner is clearly more enthusiastic about it.

Tanner(Nodding): Oh, I hear you. With that jury vote that he has in his pocket, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing him go either.

Kelsey(Getting a bit excited): Seriously? Would you both be willing to vote for him with me?

Tanner: I'd certainly be down. You both know I've had issues with him since the beginning of this game. It's about time he got a taste of his own medicine.

Not expecting Tanner to be so lenient with her, Kelsey grins and claps her hands together out of excitement.

“	Given that I almost got him voted out at the last Tribal Council, I definitely didn't expect Tanner to be so quick to forgive and forget. And who knows? Maybe he really hasn't but at this point, I don't really care. All I can do right now is hope that he and Riley come through and vote my way for tonight. Striking up some half-assed deal with Matthew isn't really an option so I'm just hoping that the two lovebirds do what they say that they're going to do.(Giggling)	”
–Kelsey

Turning to Riley now, Kelsey asks the same question of her.

Kelsey(With a hopeful look in her eyes): And you, Riley? You're gonna vote with us, right?

A moment of unsureness lapses over the vet tech, almost feeling she is being ganged up on with the way that Kelsey and Tanner are looking at her. However, she brushes this off and answers with a smile.

Riley(Smiling): Of course! We'd make a great final three anyway!

Surprised by her satisfaction, Tanner grins and pats her on the shoulder as Kelsey can't help but jump up and down out of excitement.

Kelsey(With energy): Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh my God, this is, like, the best news I've gotten since I found out that we were blindsiding Alan!

The other two both chuckle at the flight attendant's untamed energy, though Riley seems to be holding back a bit, not at all pleased with what she has just agreed to.

“	I was really annoyed with the way that Tanner and Kelsey both shouldered the whole Matthew vote onto my back.(Rolling her eyes) I mean, I was trapped is what I was. If I had said no of all things, then I basically throw all of my trust with Kelsey out the window, not to mention that Tanner wouldn't be all that pleased either. But by saying yes, I've basically agreed to vote one of my most loyal allies and biggest goats out of the game.(Groaning) I'm not cool with that. I am not cool with that at ALL!(Crossing her arms)	”
–Riley

A close-up of Riley hiding her frustrations is shown before the view transitions to a different scene, this one occurring in the path behind the lagoon. The two men are seen walking along and talking to one another about the upcoming Tribal Council and current state of the tribe.

Matthew(Leaning back): Ugh, after this it's going to be final three. I can barely contain myself!

Tanner(Forcing a smile): Yep. I'm lucky enough to already be there but I'm hoping the other two are...good people.

Oblivious to his forced demeanor and lengthy pauses, Matthew's apparent ecstasy prods on.

Matthew(Grinning): We just need to make sure all three of us are on Kelsey tonight and it should be smooth sailing going forward. Nobody wants a snake like her to make it to final three.

Tanner covers his mouth and nods to keep from scoffing, finding it very ironic for Matthew of all people to be accusing someone else of being a snake. The view shifts back over to Matthew, still as cheery and oblivious as ever.

“	Tonight, the plan should be obvious. Kelsey tried to play us all at the last council, so now it's our turn to play her. She's the last one of Dex's little minions that's still been left over and I think it's about time that we put an end to her misery once and for all. I haven't had much of a chance to talk to the other two about it after the challenge today, but it's pretty much been on the table for the past two days. We should all know what the plan is and in that case all we have to do now is wait it out until Tribal. Man, I can't wait to finally get "Miss Selfish and Whiny Brat" up and over to the jury bench already.(Rolling his eyes and chuckling)	”
–Matthew

After cutting from his confessional, Matthew is heard continuing to blabber on about his supposed plan to eliminate Kelsey to a very unenthused Tanner.

Matthew: I'm telling you, man, as long as you, me, and Riley stick to the bill and vote her out, only the land of milk and honey awaits. It's gonna be awesome!

After sighing and mulling over his thoughts for a moment, Tanner turns to directly face the restaurant manager with a waft of seriousness playing across his face.

Tanner(Bluntly): Look, I'm gonna be honest here, Matthew. I'm not writing down Kelsey's name tonight. And neither is Riley.

This revelation hitting him like a bomb, Matthew's jaw drops to the floor.

Matthew(Shocked): Wait, what?!

Taking a deep breath, Tanner simply nods and repeats his earlier to confirm to Matthew that what he's hearing is exactly what it's meant to be: a wakeup call.

“	Honestly, I know this is probably the dumbest thing I've done in this game so far, but I'm pretty much beyond the point of caring at this point. Matty has actively made a lot of people's experiences, including my own at certain points, utter hell with his constant paranoia and over-the-top attitude. After all that he put me and everybody else through, I wasn't about to let him get by on just a blindside. Screw him, screw his vote in jury, this is complete and raw revenge for me at this point. He gets to learn the hard way that we're all sick and tired of his cancerous attitude in this game. It's time for a serious reality check.(Crossing his arms with determination)	”
–Tanner

Moving back to the scene between himself and Tanner, Matthew can't help but stutter a bit as he pulls out a reply to the news that Tanner just dropped on him.

Matthew(Angrily): A-Are you being serious, man?! What the hell is wrong with you?!

Tanner(Shrugging): Sorry. It's just the route that I've chosen to go. I feel like it's the best move for my own game.

Not believing what he is hearing, Matthew's voice raises as he now starts to point his finger right in Tanner's face.

Matthew(Fired up): Are you f**king kidding me?! You're going to keep that stupid bitch around over me after she tried to get you out?! After I tried to save you!?

Tanner(Furrowing his brow): Don't even try to play that card with me, Matty. I couldn't care less what you did or Kelsey did at the last vote. This is about the here and now and you not being in this game is what's best for my game at this point. Sorry for the brutal truth.

Matthew(Flipping him off): Oh, f**k you! You don't even know what you're talking about!

Tanner(Smiling): Real classy, Matt. Care to explain?

Seething with rage, Matthew goes for as low of a blow that he can think of in the heat of a moment.

Matthew(Shouting): Honestly, from someone who's spent this entire time trying to f**k some girl seven years younger than him, I don't need to give you an explanation! Not for this BS!

A shot of Riley sitting back at camp by herself is shown before it goes back to the argument between the two guys. Instead of becoming angry or getting in Matthew's face, Tanner begins to laugh at such a cheap insult.

Tanner(Chuckling): Wow. Real nice. You wanna give me any more reasons why I'm some disgusting scumbag while we're still here?

Not being able to take it anymore, Matthew once again flips Tanner the bird before storming off on his own. The model doesn't seem to care though as he just sighs and shakes his head, knowing that only Matthew could be someone to come up with a reaction like that.

“	I am beyond pissed right now! When Tanner told me right to my face that he was going to write down my name over Kelsey it just...ugh, it made me blow my lid. That's all I'll say.(Groaning loudly) The audacity for both him and Riley to turn on me after all the s**t that I've done for them, oh it just makes my blood boil! In only a matter of minutes my perfect position has come crumbling down once again and all I can see is Kelsey and Tanner's smug f**kin' faces laughing over the fact that they pulled the wool over my eyes! F**k them! I didn't think it was possible for me to hate anybody out here more than Debbie, but those two are sure giving her a run for her money because, if I could, I'd punch them both in the face right now! UGH!	”
–Matthew

A shot of the sun starting to descend in the sky is shown before the scene now moves back to the center part of the Aladdin camp. As the remaining four are seen beginning to pack up their things for Tribal Council, the camera focuses in on Riley as she seems to be off in her own little world, trying her best to figure out what the best option for herself will be.

“	I'm honestly at a loss for what to do right now. On one hand, voting Matty out is a purely emotional move on Tanner's part and it would just be plain stupid for me to get rid of someone so loyal yet so controversial. It'd be an easy win. However, that would mean forcing a tie between him and Kelsey at Tribal. And, truthfully, I'm not too comfortable with that either. I still have pretty solid deals with both Kelsey and Tanner so by forcing that tie I could very well be throwing those relationships down the drain too. Kelsey doesn't want Tanner or Matthew at the end, so voting her might be another stupid move on my part.(Groaning) Ugh, this really is a rich girl's problem right now, but I don't know what to choose. Force the tie and potentially screw myself with my two more threatening allies or turn against to biggest goat in the game and leave my deals with Tanner and Kelsey intact. Oh, what to do?(Sighing)	”
–Riley

A shot of all four castaways grabbing their torches from beside the shelter and making their exit from the Aladdin camp is shown as the camera zooms out to a wider view for when the sun completely disappears below the horizon line. As the moon comes out and shines its light upon the lonely desert, the camera does a rapid zoom into the Tribal Council area sitting on the edge of a cliff. The final four castaways left in the game can be seen heading into the familiar structure, placing their torches in their respective holders, and taking a seat as Probst motions back towards the area that everyone just came in from.

Probst: We'll now bring in the members of our jury.

With everyone's eyes averted towards the entrance to the Tribal area, the figures of five jury members make themselves clear soon enough.

Probst: Sheri, Alan, Dexter, Silas, and Debbie. Voted out at the last Tribal Council.

The camera focuses in on a very bitter-looking Debbie as she solemnly takes a seat between Dexter and Sheri, being sure to give all four of the competitors a very distinct and brooding glare.

Probst: Alright, final four. Here we are, only three more nights away from the final Tribal Council out here in the Arabian Desert. Given the circumstances, that necklace has got to feel pretty good right about now, Tanner.

Tanner(Smiling and nodding): You bet it does! Going into the challenge, I knew that I still may have had a target on my back from the last Tribal and all. So it was a really awesome feeling today when I was able to secure this baby around my neck. Gives me all the more power coming into this vote.

Debbie raises her eyebrow from the jury bench as Matthew rolls his eyes, not even wanting to look at the model as he speaks.

Probst: Do you feel like having immunity this late in the game allows you to play a bit more vicariously?

Tanner: Oh, for sure. If you secure your safety at the final four and just let the vote slide on by, I don't know what the hell you're doing because you sure aren't looking to get to the end. I need to make sure that the group that I leave with tonight is as close to the group that I want to leave with as possible.

Probst: And do you believe that that outcome is going to play out tonight?

Tanner(Shrugging): From what I've done and heard so far, yeah. I think I know what's gonna go down.

To this statement, Matthew's head rolls back and he groans loudly, getting the attention of the two females he's sitting in between and some of the jurors. Probst quickly hones in on this, sensing the potential rift between the two men.

Probst: Matthew, why the big reaction?

Matthew: Because I know straight from the horse's mouth that he's talking about me going home. I'm pretty sure all four of us know about it by now.

Tanner can't help but chuckle a bit at Matthew's explosive, yet oh-so-expected, statement as some of the jurors look on confusedly.

Probst(Trying to clarify): What do mean exactly when you say "from the horse's mouth", Matthew?

Matthew(Loudly): I mean that Tanner freaking told me to my face that I was one going home tonight! Apparently, all three of these people sitting next to me are going to be writing my f**king name down!

Dexter's jaw drops as Alan scrunches in his face, not understanding why Tanner would do something that comes off as so illogical to him. Probst, along with a few others, begins to eye Tanner as the former begins to prod at him for answers.

Probst: Tanner, is that true? And, if it is, why do something so risky? I mean, the game isn't over yet!

Tanner(Half-chuckling): No, I completely get that. It is true that I told Matty earlier today that I would be voting for him tonight. I'll willingly say that it wasn't a smart move on my part, but I didn't really see the need to keep anything secret when the rest of us already knew what was going to happen. Not with the likes of Matty, that's for sure!

Sheri raises an eyebrow as Matthew himself curses and flips off Tanner with no hesitation, calling him a "f**king frat boy idiot" among other things. As things begin to get more heated, Kelsey decides to step in.

Kelsey: I can attest to what Tanner is saying. I think a lot of the thought process behind telling Matty is because none of us have appreciated his over-the-top and volatile behavior that he's shown to all of us throughout our time out here. Not to be a cynic, but it's really a taste of his own medicine. Nothing more, nothing less.

Matthew(Yelling): Well f**k you too, Kelsey! You're the person who freaking tried to get Tanner out in the first place! And NOW you want to be all moral and uppity because I was too "volatile"? Gimme a break! You really are the biggest snake I've ever met. That's all I've gotta say.

Kelsey(Rolling her eyes): And you're one to talk! You've called every girl who disagrees with you a bitch and freak out like a child when things don't go your way. Sorry that I don't think someone like that deserves to be in the finals.

Despite her trying to calm down, Matthew does not hesitate to fire back with personal insults.

Matthew(Unrelenting): You need to find some goddamn morals, Kelsey. All I've ever heard out of your mouth is lies, lies, lies. You and Tanner can both fix your fake ass attitudes.

While Tanner simply shrugs, Kelsey shakes her head, not even wanting to argue with someone who is only interested in personally going after her. Riley bites her lip, seeing the grave that Matthew is continuing to dig as Probst finally gets a handle on the situation.

Probst: So Kelsey, your vote has pretty much been decided then?

Kelsey(Nodding): Oh yeah! It's been decided ever since the last vote basically.

A few jury members look awestruck at how things seem to have turned around as Probst's attention shifts over to Riley.

Probst: So where do you fall in all of this, Riley? Because, to me, this seems to be more about personal vendettas than gameplay.

Riley(Nodding): I can definitely see that. Though Matty is someone who is very loud and has been playing pretty hard, a lot of reasons why his name came up today was because of his past actions, behaviors, and things that he's said. I personally don't have as much of a problem with that stuff as the other two, but it is still something to take into consideration. While you do want to leave tonight with as good of a group as you can, stepping on people's toes isn't exactly an ideal way of doing it. Especially this late in the game.

Tanner raises his eyebrow a bit, as Matthew slowly nods. At this, the restaurant manager starts to perk up a bit, wondering if Riley's statement might mean that she is not as committed to Tanner's plan as he once thought. Probst steps back in, however, before anything else can be said.

Probst: Well, with that, it is time to vote. Tanner has immunity so you cannot vote for him tonight. The rest of you, however, are fair game. Kelsey, you're up.

One by one, the remaining castaways of the Aladdin tribe head up to the voting booth to decide who is the person that they'd most like to see leave the game tonight. Both Tanner and Matthew's voting confessionals are aired to the viewing audience as Riley is the final person seen coming up and casting her vote. After she folds it up and places it into the voting urn, the vet tech makes her way back to her seat as Probst nods and gets things moving again.

Probst: I'll go tally the votes.

Close-ups of each of the final four are shown one after the other until Probst is seen coming back over with the urn in hand.

Probst: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the votes.

First vote: Matthew (1-0)

Seeing his name, Matthew can only roll his eyes and shake his head, annoyed that it is him out of everyone else that is being pinned against a wall for this vote. A small smile starts to play across Tanner's face as Riley sucks in her lips.

Second vote: Kelsey (1-1)

The flight attendant nods, knowing that there was no chance that Matthew would target anybody else besides her, especially after their heated argument.

Third vote: Matthew (2-1)

Taking a deep breath, the once loud and energetic Bostonian can now only sit back and watch as his fate in the game is left to one single vote. Kelsey clenches her eyes shut, hoping for the best, as the view moves in on a content-looking Riley simply looking on as Probst pulls out the last ballot in the urn.

Last vote:

Probst: Thirteenth person voted out of Survivor: Arabia and the sixth member of our jury..............................................Matthew. You need to bring me your torch.

His shoulders slumped and his fists tightened, this seems to be the first time in the game that Matthew has truly been reduced to silence. While Kelsey, Tanner, and a few select jurors can't seem to hide their excitement that their tormentor has finally been put to rest, Riley continues to remain mum in the moment as she only looks on while the restaurant manager stands up to get his things. However, he manages to get one last thing out as he sneers at Riley.

Matthew(Shaking his head): Whatever, Riley. Some promise that turned out to be.

The vet tech simply brushes her hair to the side and sighs, knowing that realistically Matthew was never someone she would force a tie for.

Riley(Shrugging): That's just how it is.

At this, Matthew rolls his eyes while both Dexter and Sheri smirk at the seemingly innocent-looking Riley letting out such a cold comment in front of everyone. Soon enough, Matthew places his torch in front of Jeff.

Probst: Matthew, the tribe has spoken.

With his torch snuffed, Matthew gives vicious and angry glares to each one of his former tribemates before practically stomping his way out of Tribal Council. Tanner holds back his laughs, lightly tapping Riley on the shoulder and trying to cheer her up as Probst is quick to speak up once more.

Probst: Well, after yet another heated Tribal Council, we are now down to you three. Tomorrow you will all compete in your final immunity challenge that will ultimately determine who will sit and plead their case at the final Tribal Council. I wish you all good luck and to have a good night. Head on back to camp.

Excited looks and big smiles playing across a lot of people's faces, the three remaining players left in the game all retrieve their torches and begin to make their exit from the Tribal Council area. Soon enough, the screen cuts to black and goes to another commercial break.

Night 37

Opening back up after the short break, the view immediately moves down to show the tribe flag for the Aladdin oasis. It remains almost motionless and still before three figures come into view and begin making their way into the camp. It is the final three people left in the game, namely Riley, Tanner, and Kelsey, the two latter of which seem to be very pleased due to the events and outcome of the previous Tribal Council in which loudmouth Matthew got the boot. Tanner's first instinct is to give Riley a big bear hug, showing his appreciation for her sticking with him and going along with his agenda.

Tanner(Smiling): I know that was probably tougher on you than it was for me or Kelsey but I cannot express to you how giddy and thankful that you stuck by me. You're like my guardian angel or something.

Riley(Giggling): Please. It wasn't THAT big of a deal. We may have had a deal, but I trust you guys way more. This is the much better final three.

Kelsey nods vehemently, doing her own little cheer at the thought of a night without Matthew as the camera moves back to Tanner's face, full of glee and joy while he takes a seat near the fire.

“	Coming back to camp tonight was just...ugh, it was such a great feeling.(Chuckling and grinning) Honestly, I don't want to go too hard at Matty since he did get his just desserts tonight and all that, but things really do feel better with him out of the picture. Kelsey came through, Riley came through, we all came together to take out a common enemy and it was quite beautiful in my opinion. At the very least, I know that my chances just went up even more with him out. It couldn't have worked out any better.(Shrugging)	”
–Tanner

Coming back to the scene of the remaining three around the fire, the topic of conversation still remains on Matthew as Kelsey is seen clapping her hands together out of joy.

Kelsey(Half-joking): Oh my God, it feels like it's been so long since I've heard that sound.

Tanner: What sound?

Kelsey(Smiling): Silence.

The trio chuckles along to Kelsey's witty observation concerning the camp's change in atmosphere without Matthew around.

Tanner(Nodding): He sure did love to stir up a storm at the most annoying of times. I hope the jury doesn't go too hard on us for making them deal with him for a whole two nights.

Kelsey throws her head back in laughter as Riley simply rolls her eyes and punches Tanner in the shoulder.

Riley(Giggling): Whatever, mister personality. I bet your reception wouldn't have been so warm either.

Tanner(Teasing her): What? Are you implying I'm next or something? I'd like to see you try that.

The goofy model quickly puts his arms around, making himself comfortable as his overgrown beard scratches against her face. Though she makes a disgusted face, it is clear that Riley does still enjoy his warmth and presence. Kelsey can't help but let out a proverbial "awe" at the scene, which quickly causes Riley to push Tanner away.

Kelsey(Giggling): Almost thirty-eight days in and you two are still as cute as ever. I wouldn't be surprised if there's already been a kiss or two.

Though it is clear that Kelsey is having a lot of fun with her teasing of Riley, the vet tech can only shoot her a glare.

Riley: Only in your wildest dreams.

Tanner makes an overly-exaggerated and shocked expression, feigning disappointment at Riley's snarky comment while Kelsey continues to giggle and laugh along.

“	Voting out Matthew was really hard for me to do. I did genuinely like the guy and it just kills me inside to vote off someone who I know was so undyingly loyal to me.(Sighing) But, unfortunately, my relationships with Tanner and Kelsey take precedence. Not only would forcing a tie be incredibly risky, but if Matthew did end up losing I'd be left in a situation where my other two finalists would be hurt and angry at me for betraying them. Though he was the perfect goat, Matthew ended up being more of a liability than I could handle. It's sad, but that doesn't hide the truth. I probably wouldn't be sitting back at camp, laughing it up with Kelsey and Tanner if I had chosen to side with Matty on this one. I'd be an outcast. And in a game like Survivor, that's just not smart business.(Giving off a subtle smile)	”
–Riley

After cutting from her confessional, Riley can be seen looking back over at Tanner as he begins to speak.

Tanner(Boldly): Well, since Kelsey decided to bring it up, I might as well repay you for helping out my dumb ass for the second time in a row now.

Before Riley can even raise an eyebrow, Tanner is already leaning in, his lips meeting her's as his head starts to tilt. Seeing that the two of them are actually going through with what she suggested, Kelsey can't help but laugh and smile.

Kelsey(Her hands covering her mouth): Oh geez. I was not expecting that.

Though Riley is caught off-guard, she has no trouble leaning into the kiss as well, only pushing him off after she feels it has gone on long enough. His eyes meeting her's, Tanner smirks before chuckling and asking the vet tech a suggestive question.

Tanner(Smirking): So...? What'd you think?

Riley(Wiping her mouth): Of that? Friggin' gross. It felt like I was face-to-face with some old hermit.

This not deterring him, Tanner looks over to Kelsey and confidently grins.

Tanner: She totally liked it.

Kelsey(Nodding enthusiastically): For sure! SO adorable!

Giving both of them the standard eye roll, Riley resigns to stand up and turn in for the night after such a weird and unexpected talk by the fire.

Riley(Sighing): And I think this is the part where I go to sleep and forget any of that ever happened. Happy final three, guys.

Tanner(Waving back at her): Happy final three! See ya in the morning.

Despite her annoyed expression, Riley still waves back at both of her allies before heading into one of the huts for the night, the camera training its focus back over to Tanner at this point.

“	I do feel a lot of my confidence coming back after this last vote. I won immunity, got my biggest target out, and even kissed Riley all in one day.(Chuckling) However, things definitely aren't over yet. I'm not home free just because I'm in the final three. There's still plenty more that I could screw up between now and day thirty-nine and I know that letting myself get too confident and in my own head is only going to encourage that. I gotta do my best to keep it cool, roll with the punches, and make sure I'm focused for the hardships ahead. I may have won this battle, but I haven't won the war. Not by a long shot.	”
–Tanner

A shot of Tanner laying down and resting near the fire is shown along with separate shots of both Kelsey and Riley trying to go to sleep in the huts before the view transitions to the next day.

Day 38

As the sun is seen slowly rising up on the penultimate day of the castaways' journey out in the Arabian Desert, the camera swiftly moves down to a view of the Aladdin camp. With only three people left, the camp has become a lot more peaceful and quiet, the lack of commotion in the later hours of the morning showcasing this the most. While a shot of Kelsey resting near the fire is momentarily broadcast across the screen, the camera immediately transitions over to the water well where the other two are casually talking and reflecting on their games.

Tanner(As he approaches the well): God, just look at that sunrise. Not gonna get to see much more of that soon.

Riley(Giggling): Well, hopefully we'll both get to see at least one more after today.

Catching on, Tanner chuckles and smiles, not only happy to see Riley affirming their long-standing final two deal but also looking to be fully back on board with him after some minor miscommunications in the last two votes.

“	Waking up this morning with Riley by my side, I'm not gonna lie that it was a pretty awesome feeling.(Grinning) Both of us have been admittedly big fans of the show and since we first met on the summit, I think it's been pretty much an unspoken thing between us that we wanted to stick it out together. We wanted to go to the final two together. Opening my eyes and seeing the sunrise, seeing her beautiful smile, hearing her laugh, it all brought that back to reality.(Sighing hopefully) I'm not trying to get all sentimental or something, but it's just a huge relief that I still have one alliance by my side that hasn't ended in misery.	”
–Tanner

Going back to the scene between Tanner and Riley, the former is quick to address his flirtatious behavior from the night before.

Tanner(Apologetically): By the way, sorry if I came on a little strong last night. I guess I just got excited in the heat of the moment. Final three and all, you know?

Riley(Shaking her head): No, it's fine. I just wasn't in a super celebratory mood yesterday after that Tribal, but I'm feeling a lot better now. It's definitely something to get excited over.

Tanner(Grinning): You know it.

Relieved to see her in higher spirits, Tanner puts his arm around Riley and hugs her before getting into a more serious mindset.

Tanner(Taking a deep breath): We're almost there. Just one more vote and it'll be us two all the way.

Riley(Nodding): Provided one of us can beat her in the last challenge. Ugh, even thinking about it makes me really nervous.

A shot of Kelsey picking her nails in the same spot by the fire is shown before it goes back to the water well.

Tanner: I know. I'm already trying to get all pumped up and focused. As long as she doesn't win it, we're home free. That's all that's going through my head at this point. You and I stay solid, win this challenge, and then there's nothing left to worry about.

Riley(Smiling): Yeah, I'll definitely be counting on your manly challenge-winning skills for this one so you better not let me down.

As she playfully punches him in the shoulder, Tanner scratches the back of his head and gives her an awkward smile, her praise opening up his more vulnerable side as she just continues to giggle and titter at the model's embarrassment.

“	For me, losing isn't an option for this final challenge. I've always been a go hard or go home type of guy and seeing as how I've pretty much been carrying around this "mega threat" label since Dex left, I know that bringing my all in the challenges is one-hundred percent necessary. Don't get me wrong, I love Riley with all my heart and I do trust her to a certain degree, but the only way I'm gonna feel safe is if I've got that immunity necklace dangling around this neck after all is said and done. Kelsey won't take me to the end and even though me and Riley have our deal, the only guarantee I get is if I'm the one in power and making the decision. I've gotta go all out or I could very well just be left behind at the last moment.(Nodding and taking a deep breath)	”
–Tanner

After cutting from his confessional, Tanner can be seen grabbing his and Riley's canteens as the two start to make their way back to camp, still chatting along the way.

Riley: Let's just try and take it easy this morning. Freaking out and strategizing with only three of us left isn't going to help our chances today. It'll just screw things up.

Tanner(Grinning): Agreed. I'd much rather do some meditating out by the lagoon than talk with you or Kelsey anyway.

Sensing his goofy and sarcastic tone, Riley simply rolls her eyes at Tanner's apparent lack of seriousness.

Riley(Giggling): Oh, shut up. You are such a poser sometimes.

Tanner(Shrugging): Really? Well, we'll see what you have to say when I win the necklace today.

The model then grins and chuckles at his continual teasing of Riley, which only gets him another punch in the arm before the camera moves to focus on the vet tech herself, who is trying her best to emulate Tanner's high energy and overly-happy mood.

“	I think it's really cute how sentimental Tanner got today by the well. It has been a crazy ride for all three of us, Kelsey included, and I'm sure looking back on all of it just fuels all of our fire to keep on going and get to that final step, right?(Dropping her smile) However, not to be a cynic or anything, but all that emotional junk isn't exactly the first thing on my mind. Right now, I'm still playing the game hardcore. With Matty out of the picture, Tanner is in a prime position to win this final immunity and I want to hammer it into his head that he'd be an idiot not to take me to the end. And when his back is turned, I'll be saying the same thing to Kelsey.(Shrugging) I live in the moment, but I play for the endgame. I'll start seriously thinking about Tanner trying to make out with me after everything's said and done. But, for now, I'm more concerned with scrambling my ass off and making up for my lack of challenge skills with social connections.	”
–Riley

A shot of Riley smiling and laughing with Tanner as the two of them walk back into the main camp area is shown before the scene switches to a bit later in the morning. Kelsey is still in her same spot by the fire as she leisurely fans herself and chats it up with Riley, who had just joined her only moments ago.

Kelsey(Taking a deep breath): I've gotta say, one thing I definitely won't miss about this place is the heat. The first thing I'm doing when I get home is blasting the AC for a week straight.

Riley(Giggling): I know, I miss rainy and stormy afternoons back home so much right now.

Kelsey(Rolling her eyes): Makes sense. I'm always so surprised with how unbothered he is about it though. I don’t know why.

Riley turns her head, seeing Tanner down by the lagoon as he had joked about earlier before turning back and nodding to Kelsey's somewhat jaded comment. With Tanner on the mind, Kelsey decides to take the opportunity to switch the topics.

Kelsey: Did he say anything by the well this morning?

Riley(Nodding): Yeah. He basically told me that he wants me at the end with him. We spent most of the time talking about the game and making sure that one of us wins the challenge and all.

With an annoyed sigh, Kelsey shakes her head.

Kelsey: Figures.

Riley keeps an even expression as Kelsey brushes her hair to the side and makes an annoyed face, not at all surprised to hear Tanner already planning for a final two without her.

“	I feel like I barely scraped by on this last vote. It's probably a miracle that I'm even here at this point with all the craziness that's come my way in this game. And now, here I am, stuck in a final three with someone who betrayed me and another person who I tried to betray. Ironic, right?(Giggling lightly) Needless to say, I know that Tanner has no plans of bringing me to the final two. He's made it all but obvious and, honestly, I wouldn't blame him. However, I am going to try and pitch my case to Riley because I know that if she or I were able to win today's challenge, we'd probably take each other since Tanner is the favorite to win. He's still the king, and our only chance to dethrone him hinges on one of us winning the challenge. I'd like to hope that Riley can see that as well, but who knows? Love can make us girls do some crazy things.(Giggling)	”
–Kelsey

Cutting from Kelsey's confessional, the camera trains over to Riley interjecting with her own view on the situation, one that closely resembles the one that she gave to Tanner earlier.

Riley(Tying her hair back): He's going to be trying real hard. He knows that there's still an air of a target on his back so I wouldn't be surprised to see him scrambling.

Kelsey(Nodding): I know. That's not important though since there's literally no chance that I'd take him with me if I won. I mean, it'd be an obvious death sentence for both of us, right?

Riley nods affirmatively, effectively gesturing Kelsey to continue.

Kelsey(Leaning her head back): God, I'm so nervous. I could just, like, freak out any second.

Riley(Consoling her): Don't. Keeping your cool is the only way that you're gonna have any chance in that challenge today. We both know my track record with challenges, you've already got me beat there.

In light of the vet tech's self-depreciation, a smirk starts to form on Kelsey's face.

Kelsey(Giggling): Well, you're not wrong there. Even I was able to win something by myself before you.

Riley(Giddily): Don't rub it in! I'm just trying to keep your head out of the slums so that you and I can go into this thing as mentally prepared as possible. It's already apparent that Tanner means business, we should have our heads in the game as well.

Kelsey(Nodding): True, true. Beating him today would be the best feeling in the world for me, honestly. You and I need to dominate.

Feeling as though she has the flight attendant reeled in, Riley smiles and nods along to Kelsey's statements of "unity" between the two girls and their desire to fight against a common enemy in this upcoming final immunity challenge.

“	Even though it might not seem like it, I'm probably a thousand times more nervous and scared for this final challenge than either of those other two are. I've done my bit. I talked to both of them, did my thing to charm them up, and now I'm hoping and praying that the person that ends up winning is the person who chooses to take me to the end. I mean, I could always win immunity myself, but what are the chances of that?(Giggling) I quite frankly suck at the physical part of this game. The mental game is really where it's at anyway, right? God, I sure hope so or I could be royally screwed.(Taking a deep breath)	”
–Riley

The camera swiftly flashes between shots of all three of the finalists in their own respective areas of the camp before transitioning to an overhead shot of the Arabian Desert. Intense and foreboding music accompanies the swift camera movements that glide from sand dune to sand dune until finally settling on a cordoned-off area of the desert that has clearly been set up for the castaways' next and final challenge. Probst, smirk and all, is seen at the head of the challenge structure, excited at the milestone that they've reached as he brings in the final three.

Probst: Come on in, guys!

Tanner, Riley, and Kelsey can all be seen emerging from behind a large sand dune, smiles playing across each of their faces as they stop on the familiar yellow tribe mat and await Probst's anticipated question.

Probst: Are you guys ready to get to your final immunity challenge?

With hardy nods and excited grins from the players, Probst launches into his explanation of the final challenge and how it will basically work and function overall. After he has finished up, he tells all three of the finalists that they will draw for spots before getting things going.

• With all three finalists in their positions in front of the maze, the host finally gives them the go-ahead to start the challenge, allowing them to sprint into the maze and start navigating their way to the medallion stations.
• Off the bat, Tanner and Riley have good luck with the turnstiles, the latter following behind the former as he has already worked out a path to the first location of a medallion set. Soon enough, the two of them are already beginning to untie their first medallions.
• Kelsey, on the other hand, goes in the opposite direction of the other two, struggling and stumbling her way through the maze with uncertainty. As she continuously runs into fake turnstiles, she can see her opponents already finishing up with their first medallions, emphasizing her rough start.
• While the other two begin to head back with their respective medallions, Kelsey finally finds a path to a medallion table, allowing her to get a chance to catch up to both Riley and Tanner.
• After placing both of their medallions on their respective puzzle chests, Tanner and Riley are seen heading back out onto the course, the latter cautiously following the path of the former. Noticing this, Tanner tries his best to shake her by intentionally pushing on fake turnstiles to try and throw the vet tech off.
• This isn't very effective, however, as they both end up at the second table of medallions at virtually the same time, much to the chagrin of Tanner.
• By now, Kelsey has gotten back to the center with her first medallion. Seeing the hassle that it took for her to get the first one, the flight attendant just decides to copy the path that the other two used to get to her second so that she can catch up.
• As she arrives at the station, Tanner is already sprinting off back to his puzzle chest with Riley right on his tail, neither one of them wanting to fall behind.
• Seeing the path that Kelsey took on for her first medallion, Riley decides to go for that instead of following Tanner again, who has decided to go off towards the final table that no one has reached as of yet.
• However, due to his speed and some good luck, Tanner is still able to get to his respective table first and start untying his medallion, allowing him to potentially increase his lead over both of the girls.
• Seeing this, the other two try their best to hurry it up and keep things moving so that they do not fall out of it. Riley rips through her knots while Kelsey sprints as fast as she can to place her second medallion down and head out again.
• With only one medallion left to claim, Tanner is able to easily increase the gap between him and the two girls as he swiftly maneuvers his way over to that final table. At the time, Riley is just placing her third medallion on her chest while Kelsey is untying her's.
• Once he comes back with his last medallion, Tanner immediately gets to work on opening his chest and getting started on his puzzle, looking to claim a blowout victory while the girls are both vying for their final medallions.
• Fortune starts to turn around though as Tanner begins to finally hit a roadblock with the puzzle, not quite sure which cogs go where from a visual standpoint. This allows for both of the women to make up some time and before they know it, they're side-by-side in opening up their chests and starting to puzzle.
• As things continue to heat up, it's clear that Tanner and Riley are the frontrunners with the latter's puzzle skills allowing her to effectively close the gap between her and the model.
• However, it is all for naught as slowly but surely Tanner is able to fit the cogs in the correct configuration, excitedly turning them to raise his flag and claim victory.

Probst: TANNER WINS FINAL IMMUNITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

His victory achieved and proclaimed for the world to hear, Tanner lets out a loud battle cry, reacting to the joy and shock hitting him all at once. He falls to his knees, exhausted and breathing heavily while a smile starts to form across his face. He knows that he's safe now. He's earned his way to day thirty-nine and no one can take that away from him now. As Probst looks over to the tired and disappointed expressions on the women's faces, he addresses Riley in particular.

Probst: Riley, you looked like you were just about there.

Riley(Hiding her annoyance): Yeah, pretty much. Like, three more seconds.

Seeing the upset looks on both Riley and Kelsey's faces, Tanner gets up and makes sure to congratulate the two on an awesome final challenge.

Tanner(Grinning): You both did great. There wasn't one moment that I didn't feel the pressure that you both were putting on me. Job well done.

Both of the girls, despite their tiredness and disappointment, smile and thank the model for his kind words before the camera's view distorts for a few seconds so that it can come back to showing Tanner having the necklace hung around his neck once again by Probst.

Probst: Tanner, congratulations. You have won the final immunity of the season meaning that you WILL get a chance to plead your case to the jury at the Final Tribal Council about why you deserve to win the million and the title of Sole Survivor. You will also cast the sole vote at tonight's Tribal Council to determine who will be joining you for that and who will be off to jury. It's a lot to take in, but you'll have the afternoon to come to a decision. You can head on back to camp. Congratulations once again.

Tanner thanks the host before he, Kelsey, and Riley are seen grabbing their things and starting to make their way away from the challenge area, the focus beginning to hone in on the latter as they keep walking.

“	Ugh, I can't believe it.(Sighing and out of breath) I was literally three seconds away from the final immunity and I just let it slip right through my fingers. That just...oh, that sucks really badly. I mean, I've done everything I can to make Tanner think that bringing me along to the end is his best option, but you never know. Having that immunity was my guarantee, and now I'm left with nothing but Tanner's word to rely on. Oh, what a joy this is gonna be.(Crossing her arms)	”
–Riley

The camera goes between shots of all three of the remaining contestants before rapidly zooming out and cutting to a commercial break.

Mysterious music cues the episode back in as the camera swoops to show several different shots of wildlife around the desert. A long snake can be seen working its way around a palm tree before the view switches to the three castaways left in the game heading back into their camp after the final challenge of the season, of which Tanner emerged as the victor. With the necklace dangling from his neck, the male model is nothing less than loud and proud about his win after setting his things down in the shelter.

Tanner(Grinning): Final two for me, baby! Hell yeah!

Riley(Mustering up a smile): You certainly got that down quickly. I should've known that there'd be nothing we could beat him at.

Kelsey nods, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at the circumstances as Tanner chuckles and playfully flexes.

Tanner(Stretching out his limbs): Hey, you both gave me a run for my money there. It was far from blowout. Not for me, at least. Still, a few more comments sprinkled in there wouldn't hurt.

Both girls look to one another and roll their eyes, not finding Tanner's cocky humor to be all that amusing in the moment. Of course, none of this puts a damper on his spirits as he proudly goes to hang up his immunity necklace.

“	After today, I think it's safe to call me an immunity beast.(Chuckling) Four individual wins and I'm just thanking the stars that today was one of those wins. I honestly don't know what would've happened if I let one of the girls take it. I don't know if I was necessarily in a tight spot, but with how much my name has gotten thrown around in the last few days, it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm getting to the end no matter what and that's all that matters.(Shrugging)	”
–Tanner

Crossing her arms, Kelsey takes a sip out of her canteen before speaking her mind.

Kelsey(To Riley): So now it looks like it's between you and me.

Riley(Nodding solemnly): Yeah, the big man has all the power now. One of us is getting cut right before the end.

Kelsey sighs, not wanting to acknowledge the reality of the situation as Tanner tries to defuse the sour mood.

Tanner(Laying things out): Look, this is all that I gotta say. No matter what we've all said and done to each other, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time out here with both of you. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it and say that I'm sorry that I'm making this decision but I do respect both of you as players and I hope that there's no hard feelings after all is said and done.

Kelsey(Dismissively): Yeah, we know. Still doesn't make things anymore awkward or annoying.

Tanner shoots the flight attendant a weirded-out look before Riley speaks up.

Riley(Shrugging): Either way, this situation was gonna happen no matter who won today. Things are going to be weird anyway so instead of just standing here acknowledging that, why don't we just move on and go about something else? I'm sure we'll all have our time to scramble before Tribal tonight.

Tanner nods in agreement, giving the vet tech a side hug and thanking her for understanding his position. Kelsey remains unmoved though, convinced that this is worst-case scenario for her now.

“	The moment that Tanner won that freaking necklace today, I knew that it was gonna be bad for me. Like, really? Really? The guy who I literally ran a smear campaign against five days ago is now in charge of my fate in this game. This was literally the only option that I needed not to happen and unsurprisingly, that's what happened. Ugh! You may as well call me a dead girl walking by this point because I don't see any way that this dude keeps me around until the end.(Sighing dejectedly)	”
–Kelsey

As Tanner heads down to the lagoon to cool off and wash up for a bit, the two girls are now left alone to sit around the fire and talk with one another.

Kelsey(Rolling her eyes): I'm so annoyed. I can't believe he won two in a row.

Riley(Nodding along): I know. He really is a beast in these challenges though. We didn't stand a chance.

Though she can tell that Riley is trying to defuse the tension, Kelsey can't help but cringe and remind the girl why they're here in the first place.

Kelsey(Groaning): You know, a certain someone predicted this would happen about six days ago. But what did you guys do? Not listen. And now here you and I are, sitting on the chopping block once again.

Riley's expression doesn't change, not wanting to give any regards to Kelsey's snotty remark as the vet tech tends to the fire.

“	Kelsey is nervous as hell. The minute that she found out that Tanner won the challenge, her entire demeanor just dropped to rock bottom again. I don't blame her, I'm nervous about Tanner being in the driver's seat too, but she's especially shaken up over the whole thing. So much so that she's starting to lash out at both me and him now.(Shrugging) For me, Kelsey's emotional side can make or break my chances of getting to finals. If Tanner sees this loud, bratty, girl telling him how stupid and awful he is for daring to beat her in the challenge as an annoyance, he'll still want to take her out. However, if he sees that emotional and irrational side of her as an easy win at the next Tribal Council, then I might be in quite a bit of trouble tonight. I need to secure my relationship with Tanner and make sure that he understands that our deal is more important than anything that Kelsey could bring to the table. Now, that might not be true, but who cares about that at this point?	”
–Riley

Not trying to upset her, Riley remains calm and addresses Kelsey's snide attitude with a kind smile.

Riley(Consoling her): There's really nothing more that we can do. Behind all the scrambling, he'll be the one making the decision about which one of us gets left out to dry. It's nothing to cry about.

Kelsey(Groaning): I know, but still. I just feel like I've worked so hard and had so much thrown back at me, to have it end here would be devastating to say the least.

Riley(Nodding): And I feel the same way. It's just a sucky situation. There's no other way around it.

After letting out another groan, a defeated-looking Kelsey just slumps back and shakes her head, feeling quite trapped and desperate by her current situation. Riley, though continuing to console her, is secretly glad to see the flight attendant losing her will to fight as the scene promptly switches over to a shot of the lagoon. Tanner is still washing up and hanging back as Riley is quick to up and join him.

Tanner(Grinning): There's my girl! How ya feeling?

Riley(Giggling): Still a bit pissed that I lost the challenge, but I am glad that you won it. Makes me feel a lot safer.

Tanner(Nodding): You should feel safer. I have no idea what the hell Kelsey would've done if she won it. She's so up in her own head, it's unbelievable.

Riley nods, following a lapse of chuckles and smiles before the vet tech listens intently to Tanner's prodding on and on about the challenge and the situations that have arisen now that he's guaranteed himself a slot in the Final Tribal Council.

“	Tanner's not an idiot. As much as he'd probably like all of us to think that that's the case, I've seen through his façade from the first day that I met him. He's got a mind that is made for this game and that does worry me because I do have to kind of tiptoe around the idea of us as the final two because logically, it doesn't make any sense to take me to the end over Kelsey. That's what makes this so hard. I need to be comforting, but I don't want to overdo so that I've got him thinking that I'm his biggest threat. Basically, I've got to undo all of the damage that I've been doing for these past thirty-eight days.(Sighing) Oh, what a fun task to take on.(Giggling)	”
–Riley

As she dips her head into the water and comes back up, Riley tries her best to bring up the issue of the impending vote as subtly as possible.

Riley: So, have you decided who you're bringing?

Tanner(Raising an eyebrow): To what? Final Tribal Council?

Riley gives a solemn nod as Tanner chuckles and makes a face at her, as if she should already know the answer.

Tanner(Grinning): You obviously! We've had this thing going since the summit and I'm not about to abandon it now. Kelsey's basically already given up from what I've seen anyway. She's gotta know what's up.

A short shot of Kelsey sulking by the fire is shown before it moves back to the conversation that Riley and Tanner are having by the lagoon.

Riley(Nodding): Yeah. She's gonna be pretty pissed tonight.

Tanner(Shrugging): Doesn't matter though. We're the final two, just like we planned. There may have been some bumps in the road, but I think everything pretty much panned out how we wanted it to looking back.

Riley(Giggling): Why don't we wait until after tonight to get all nostalgic, Mr. Sentimental. I really think I just need to relax and de-stress a bit after that challenge.

Tanner chuckles and nods understandingly, giving her one more hug before she heads off on her own to recuperate.

“	A while back, I don't think I would've wanted Riley at the end with me from a strategic standpoint. I mean, she's made a lot of waves out here, a lot more than I probably even know about. However, after Kelsey's idol got flushed and I was saved, I saw that Riley has potentially bit off more than she can chew. She's made moves and burned a lot of bridges in the process. If I had my choice, I'd definitely want to be sitting with that person at the end. Kelsey may be an emotional wreck, but she still has quite a few people on the jury who could very well vote for her over me. I just don't see how Riley has that with all the people that she's betrayed. If I have the chance to keep one lasting alliance secure until the end and be guaranteed the win, I'm taking that without a second thought. And that's what I feel like I'm getting with Riley.(Shrugging and smiling confidently)	”
–Tanner

A shot of Riley lying down in the shelter and picking at her nails is shown before the scene is moved to quite a bit later in the afternoon. The shelter is now empty as both Kelsey and Tanner are seen either hanging or packing up clothes along one of the shorter palms near their camp. The latter quickly attempts to initiate conversation with the former.

Tanner(A bit awkwardly): So how are you holding up, Kelsey? You seem a bit more reserved today than usual.

Not liking him tiptoeing around the topic, Kelsey just comes out says what's on her mind.

Kelsey(Sighing): I mean, it's obvious, right? Like, I know what's happening tonight at Tribal. You don't need to act all nice and clean about it.

Tanner fights the urge to say something back to her, knowing that he and her will never see eye to eye even until the bitter end.

Tanner: My decision isn't completely made up yet, you know? Anything can happen between now and the vote and I just don't think you should roll over and die like this. Not trying to be a dick or throw it in your face but that's how the game goes. I know that you've fought yourself out of situations like this before so it confuses me to why you're just giving up all of a sudden.

Kelsey pauses for a moment before rolling her eyes, still dismissing Tanner's words of encouragement as "sweet talk" as she carelessly begins throwing some of her clothing into her bag.

“	To me, Tanner is on a long list of people out here who I just frankly can't stand. Up until the very end, he just can't let me have some peace and quiet before he inevitably votes me off. The way he keeps egging me on and bugging me is just so...ugh, it's so rattling honestly.(Rolling her eyes) The dude has no sense of common decency and I'll literally say anything to get him off my back at this point. Anything to have a few hours to myself before he goes through with what he and everyone else is waiting for; voting me out.(Groaning loudly)	”
–Kelsey

Getting visibly annoyed, Kelsey answers the male model with the same bitterness she held in her earlier statement.

Kelsey(Abrasively): Seriously, Tanner, if you're trying to mine for a jury vote before you vote me off, you came to the wrong girl. Riley could throw me under the bus ten more times and I'd still vote for her to win over you.

Tanner's eyes go a bit wide, not expecting such a brazen and callous answer from the girl, especially one so in contrary to what he was believing a few hours ago.

Tanner(A bit caught off-guard): Damn. Tell me how you really feel.

Kelsey(Shrugging): It's the truth. No other way to break it. Like, you're voting me out anyway. I don't see the point of trying to poke and prod at me to do something when I don't want to. That's not the way to get someone's vote.

As Kelsey continues to rant on and on about Tanner's apparent lack of social aptitude, the male model appears to be phasing her out and off in his own world as he appears to be analyzing the basis of what she just let loose.

“	When Kelsey let that line loose to me by camp, I feel like my entire perspective had just gotten warped. For most of these last few days, I've been operating under the assumption that I could beat Riley if she was in the final two with me. But with Kelsey directly telling me that she would rather vote for Riley over me despite all the betrayal and craziness between them...that's some cause for concern, man.(Groaning nervously) I mean, if Kelsey is able to forgive her that easily, who's to say that Debbie won't be just as forgiving? Or Alan? Or any of them? This really has me rethinking my entire plan. She doesn't know it yet, but Kelsey may have unknowingly bought herself a ticket to the final two. I still think I need to dig around a little more.	”
–Tanner

A shot of Tanner zoning out while he and Kelsey are hanging clothes is shown as Riley is seen approaching the camp area from the lagoon. As she comes upon the small oasis, she raises her eyebrows at the sight of seeing the other two talking with one another, immediately feeling a bit of insecurity and paranoia start to swell up within her.

“	With only three people left, it's pretty hard to have any "private" conversations anymore. If person A and B go off by themselves, it's pretty obvious that they're most likely talking about voting out person C, the odd one out. So when I see Tanner and Kelsey chatting it up while I'm away, I can't help but get this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach that they might be talking about me or colluding or something crazy like that. I don't know, I want to trust that Tanner is being straight with me but like I said earlier, he's not an idiot. He's going to want to go off and do his own thing and I need to make sure that that doesn't come at my expense tonight.(Taking a deep breath)	”
–Riley

As a bit more time passes over, as evident by the sun starting to move closer and closer to the horizon line, Riley and Tanner are seen having another conversation inside one of the huts.

Riley(Tying her hair back): So are we all good for tonight then?

Tanner(Nodding): Yep. Nothing's changed as far as I'm concerned. It's still you and me going off to the land of milk and honey once this vote is over with.

The secretly paranoid vet tech cracks a smile at Tanner's witty remark.

Riley(Smiling): I'm excited to make it there with you.

Though Tanner reciprocates her smile back at her with an even bigger one of his own, the thoughts and ideas inside his head are still swirling as he keeps going back and forth between what's the right play for him.

“	Despite all that has been said, I'm honestly not sure what I want to do tonight. Everything in my brain is telling me that I'm an idiot for making all these promises to Riley and playing with her heart.(Sighing hopelessly) I don't want to backstab her, but my chances against her at the Final Tribal are not looking as good as I had predicted. Kelsey, on the other hand, has been nothing but emotional and brooding for the last week or so out here. I've never really seen eye-to-eye with her and it makes her the perfect candidate to take to the end. Ugh...but I just don't know if I have the heart to do it. Kelsey does have friends and Riley has burned bridges. I can't ignore any of that but it just doesn't feel like it's coming together for me. I've been faced with some tough ass decisions in this game, but nothing has prepared me for this. I should just be going for the easy win, but somehow I find myself caught up with someone who I...really care about. I have no idea what's gonna happen, but it's gonna be insane.(Taking a deep breath)	”
–Tanner

The view moves to show the last of the sunlight illuminating the Aladdin oasis as Kelsey, Riley, and Tanner all retrieve their torches and begin to head out from their camp and towards the penultimate Tribal Council that will greet them under the guise of darkness and deceit. With the music beginning to intensify, the view rapidly zooms in to the familiar sight of the Tribal Council area on the edge of a large cliff. As the remaining three players all make their way into the large structure, they set their respective torches down in their holders and take a seat to wait for Probst's direction.

Probst: We'll now bring in the members of our jury.

Turning their heads back to the entrance for Tribal, the final three get a glimpse of the jury walking in.

Probst: Sheri, Alan, Dexter, Silas, Debbie, and Matthew. Voted out at the last Tribal Council.

As all six jury members are seen taking their seats, Matthew stares daggers at the three people still left sitting across from the fire, Tanner and Riley in particular. Both of them ignore his venomous glare, however, as Probst is eager to get the conversation going.

Probst: Okay, Tanner, let's begin with you. Big final immunity win today. What was the feeling going through your head when you realized that you would be taking a seat at the Final Tribal Council tomorrow night?

Tanner(Half-joking): Pretty damn sweet if that wasn't obvious by now.

Both Kelsey and Riley, along with most of the jury members, chuckle along to Tanner's sarcastic remark as Probst simply smirks and shakes his head.

Tanner(In a more serious tone): No, it's a great feeling. You know, all of us here have been pondering and staying up at night thinking about how we're gonna make it to that Final Tribal and to have the guarantee that I'm gonna be there definitely helps to weather all that stress a bit. For the time being, at least.

Probst: Yes, for the time being since you are also going to be deciding which of the two sitting next to you is going to be joining you tomorrow night.

Tanner(Nodding): For sure. And it's a big decision to have riding on my shoulders.

Alan raises his eyebrows from the jury bench as Kelsey can't help but roll her eyes, not buying that statement at all. Probst catches on to this and decides to put the spotlight on her.

Probst: Kelsey, what was your reaction to Tanner winning immunity?

Kelsey(Smiling regrettably): Obviously, with this being such a crucial challenge, I was sad that I wasn't able to win. It is what it is though, I'm pretty much used to it by this point.

Tanner rolls her eyes, not surprised to see Kelsey turn to her usual habit of playing up the victim role as several other jury members have similar reactions.

Probst(Pressing her): And what do you mean by that?

Kelsey(Sighing): It's just...I found Tanner's statement very interesting. Didn't realize that it was such a "critical" decision.

Probst now looks even more puzzled by Kelsey's vague comments as Tanner himself shakes his head and chuckles, not knowing quite how else to react.

Probst: Tanner, do you have any idea what she's talking about here?

Tanner(Shaking his head): Not at all. I can barely follow over here.

Kelsey grins and giggles a bit, knowing quite well that her ambiguity is just doing more to confuse everyone.

Riley(Speaking out): I think this afternoon was a really stressful experience for both Kelsey and myself seeing as how it's one of us who's guaranteed to go home. We both had a lot of talking, scrambling, and scraping by to do today and I think some of that mess has carried over to Tribal tonight. We're both scared, you know?

Even if it isn't exactly on point, Kelsey still nods along to Riley's assessment as Tanner is seen biting his lip.

Probst: So, Kelsey, you think there's a good chance that you're game is done tonight?

Kelsey(Nodding vehemently): I think there's an incredibly good chance that that is what is playing out here. I honestly don't expect Tanner to want to bring me to the end over his closest ally.

The camera flashes between separate shots of Tanner and Riley before going back to Kelsey, who is happy to keep running her mouth to Jeff.

Kelsey(Giggling): It's okay though. He still won't get my vote anyway.

As Tanner continues to just grin and bear it, Alan and Debbie both chuckle along to Kelsey's openly pointed statements.

Probst: Tanner, that's a pretty candid statement, especially given the situation.

Tanner(Nodding along): Very candid. Kelsey can think and say whatever she wants to, I have my own take on things and that's what I'm going to be relying on when I cast my final vote tonight. It's about what's gonna prop me up in the best position when things flip around and I'm the one who's gonna be scrambling and fighting for votes tomorrow night.

Riley raises an eyebrow as Sheri crosses her legs and rolls her eyes, a clear look of disdain playing across her face while Probst turns towards the former.

Probst: That being said, what is your pitch going into the vote, Riley?

Riley: For me, I think that logical thing to do is take me to the end. In terms of who has burned the most bridges here, I mean it's a no-brainer that I've been the pisser-offer of jury members for the last ten days or so. I've shown incredibly loyalty to you, Tanner, and I think that if you know me then you know that I'd be a better finalist for your game than Kelsey would. She has a quite a few friends up there that I can't call my own.

Kelsey can do nothing but shrug as Tanner nods his head, taking in everything that she's telling him as the focus moves back to Probst.

Probst: Okay, it is time to vote. Kelsey can only vote for Riley, Riley can only vote for Kelsey. That means your votes cancel each other out, so you will not vote. Tanner, you will be the only one casting a vote tonight. You're up. Tanner deeply exhales, anxiety starting to build up inside him, before getting up and walking inside the voting confessional booth to cast the final vote. The camera focuses on both Riley and Kelsey, both nervously awaiting the decision that the male model has come to. Kelsey shakes her head while Riley can only bite her lip and clench her eyes shut, hoping for the best. Tanner is then seen placing his vote inside the urn and returning back to his seat. He sits down and looks on as the jury and the other two castaways are waiting for the big reveal.

Probst: I'll go tally the vote.

The camera goes between shots of the each of the remaining three contestants left in the game before Probst is seen returning with the urn in hand.

Probst: Once the vote is read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the vote.

First vote:

Probst: Fourteenth person voted out of Survivor: Arabia and the seventh and final member of our jury.......................

Probst:......................Riley. You need to bring me your torch.

With the jaws of Kelsey and several jury members dropping the instant that Probst announces Tanner's vote, the veterinary technician simply smiles, nods her head, and goes to retrieve her things. Tanner looks to the ground, not having the guts to look his closest alliance in the eyes after backstabbing her at the last possible second. Though she is upset internally, Riley giggles and playfully punches him in the arm.

Riley(Lightheartedly): You bastard! I should've known you'd get me in the end! Good on you.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Tanner gets up and gives Riley a big hug on her way out, apologizing for all of the lies up until Tribal.

Tanner(Frowning): I'm so sorry.

Riley shrugs off his apology, telling him that it's a game and that there's no hard feelings. After grabbing her torch and spinning around in Jeff's direction, the vet tech waves one last goodbye to a bewildered looking Kelsey.

Riley(Smiling): Bye, love.

Still shocked by Tanner's switch-up, Kelsey waves a solemn goodbye as she, Tanner, and many of the surprised jury members can only look on as Riley places her torch into the holder in front of Jeff, triumphant and billowing music accompanying her every move.

Probst: Riley, the tribe has spoken.

With her torch snuffed, Riley sighs loudly before turning around to her two former tribemates.

Riley(Grinning): Good luck, you guys!

Both Tanner and Kelsey say one last goodbye to Riley as she makes her exit from the Tribal Council area, holding up a smile on her face the whole way out despite all the betrayal and frustrations. Both Debbie and Matthew seem to be very pleased with this outcome while others like Sheri and Alan only look on at the remaining two players with annoyance and skepticism. Both Kelsey and Tanner themselves look quite speechless. Despite this, Probst carries on with more conviction in his voice than usual.

Probst: Kelsey, Tanner, congratulations. You have gone as far as you can go in this game. Now, the power shifts over to the jury. Seven people you had a hand in directly or indirectly voting out now hold your fate in this game in their hands. They will decide who they think is worthy of the title of Sole Survivor and the million-dollar check that goes along with it. You have one more night under the Arabian stars. Try to get some rest, I assure you're going to need it. Grab your torches, head back to camp. Good night.

Still taking everything in, both Kelsey and Tanner congratulate each other for making it as far as they have before beginning to stand up and grab their things.

Kelsey(To herself): Oh my God.

The two of them start to make their way out of the Tribal Council area, the jury's eyes on them all the way out until the scene moves over to Riley's final words and then an eventual commercial break.

Night 38

The view opens back up to the dead of the thirty-eighth Arabian night. A few critters are seen scampering around in the sand in night-vision before the sound of two people walking can be heard in the distance. Upon entering their now lonely and barren Aladdin camp, Tanner places both his and Kelsey's torches up against one of the huts and takes an evident loud breath. Clearly, the impact of Riley's blindside has taken a big toll on him, despite the fact that it stemmed from him and him alone. Kelsey, who is also visibly shaken up by the events of the previous Tribal Council, can only look around and speak up in a very mousy tone.

Kelsey(Dumbfounded): Wow, I honestly can't believe I'm standing in this camp again. I literally thought I'd be gone by tonight.

Tanner(Shaking off the anxiety): Well, you're here, Kelsey. And in all honesty, I'm still happy to see you here even after all that went down today.

Kelsey begins to nod slowly, not knowing quite how to react to a statement like that as she and her fellow finalist decide to take a seat by the fire and hash things out in the wake of Riley's surprising exit.

“	I should just really stop trying to predict what's gonna happen at Tribal because I feel like I've been wrong again and again.(Giggling tiredly) I thought it was a done deal for tonight. Tanner and Riley had been tight ever since the summit and for him to actually backstab her over someone like me just baffles the hell out of me. Last thing I heard was that Tanner still hated my guts so to have this sudden reversal of fortune was very shocking to say the least. It's like, wow. I'm in this position that I didn't think I'd be in. Final two. Day 39. I honestly didn't think I'd reach this point. It's crazy how things can still change so fast when it's this late in this game. You could almost call it a miracle.(Smiling hopefully)	”
–Kelsey

As they both sit across from each other around the fire pit, Kelsey is quick to question Tanner's decision in taking her to finals over his close ally and friend.

Kelsey(Sighing): So, spill the tea. Ii wanna know why you cut Riley like that for me.

Leaning back, Tanner echoes the flight attendant's sighs and begins to stretch out his limbs, still reeling from Tribal at this point.

Tanner(Shrugging): Ironically enough, Kelsey, what you told me earlier today is what really stuck in my head. Riley had literally gone around backstabbing every single one of you and you were still going to give her a million dollars. It amazes me. I don't know how she pulled that off, but she still had you all under her thumb.

Her eyes widening a bit, Kelsey thinks back to what she and Tanner had talked about while she was hanging her clothes, not realizing the implications of her own words.

Tanner(Continuing on): Obviously, I was being as skeptical as I could before then. I knew that Riley had played a pretty flawless game, but it wasn't until then that I realized that I wouldn't have the votes if I had brought her here with me. No offense, Kelsey, but I just thought I'd fare better sitting up against you.

Kelsey(Shaking her head): No, I realize that. That does make a lot of sense in hindsight. I guess it just shocks me that you actually turned on her. You were her closest ally, you know?

Tanner(Nodding): Yep. And I'm still hurting from that. I ain't gonna lie. But hey, didn't both of us think she was our closest ally? Didn't Matty think that? Didn't Debbie think that? I guess I'm the only one that decided to turn it around on her.

Kelsey(Smiling): Yeah, that was really ballsy of you. I have so many other things to say honestly. But, for now, I'll start with a thank you. You did save me, after all.

Tanner(Brightening up a bit): Don't mention it.

Though the atmosphere is still clouded in awkwardness and stress, both of the remaining players seem to be settling back in and starting to actually take pride in the fact that they are the last two people left in the game.

“	Voting Riley out was by far the hardest decision I've had to make in my entire time out here. I thought blindsiding Dex was gonna be tough...psh, didn't even compare to this. But logically, it had to be her. If she's burned all these bridges with Kelsey and she openly states that she's still willing to vote for her, then who knows what the rest of the jury is thinking as well? I can't take that type of risk. Riley may have been my girl, but I'm out here to win first and foremost. I'm not about to blow the opportunity for that Sole Survivor title for some girl who I've known for a couple of weeks. I love her to death, but I think I winning more.(Chuckling lightly) Right now, Kelsey sitting next to me tomorrow night is my best shot at the win. No other way around that.	”
–Tanner

As the conversation slowly starts to move away from the previous Tribal Council, Tanner sighs loudly before a big grin begins to play across his face.

Tanner(Grinning): Only one more night left shivering in this cold ass desert.

Kelsey(Nodding): I know. I'm really nervous about everything at the moment but I think I'll be excited by morning. I still can't believe that it's us two here.

Tanner nods in agreement before speaking up one final time for the night.

Tanner(Sighing peacefully): Send us to perfect places for one more day before it all comes crashing down tomorrow night. One day to just take it all in.

The flight attendant giggles and nods as the two of them begin to gather up their things and turn in for the night, the camera focusing on the moon shining brightly in the sky before the view shifts in time to the next, and final, morning.

Day 39

Fading back into the following morning, a couple of vulture-like birds are seen flying high above the desert sand before the camera swiftly settles in on the familiar scene of the Aladdin oasis. A loud yawn is heard from the middle of camp as the view moves in on Tanner dropping a pile of sticks in the fire, tiredly keeping up with the morning chores until the bitter end while his fellow finalist simply lounges around in the huts. Kelsey is seen stretching out her arms and legs before smiling and giggling to herself, hardly believing the fortuitous situation that she's found herself in.

“	Waking up this morning and knowing that I'm in the final two was definitely pretty surreal. With how bad things got screwed up a couple of days ago, I thought I had zero chance of getting myself to this point. I thought I didn't have anywhere left to go. But look at me now!(Giggling) I'm sitting in this hellish camp on day 39 of Survivor! I mean, who could've predicted this? Certainly not me because I'm still in the middle of pinching myself. It's that great of a feeling.(Grinning widely)	”
–Kelsey

As a bit of time passes while Tanner is seen wandering off towards treemail, the model eventually rushes back with a newfound spring in his step. Excitably, he quickly grabs Kelsey's attention.

Tanner(Practically jumping up and down): Kelsey, you've gotta come see this! They've completely decked us out!

Kelsey(Raising an eyebrow): What? What do you mean?

Tanner(Excitably): Just get off your ass and come see! It's by treemail.

Groaning and mumbling under her breath, Kelsey lethargically pushes herself to her feet and begins to walk alongside the much more energetic Tanner as the two of them make their way towards treemail. Upon arrival, however, Kelsey's energy level skyrockets at the sight of what has been set up for the two of them. A full-scale feast with about every type of main course and beverage imaginable lay on a clothed table that's been set for two.

Kelsey(Covering her mouth): Oh my God! Are you freaking kidding me?!

Seeing the switch in her mood, Tanner can't help but chuckle and nod.

Tanner(Grinning): Despite all the crazy s**t that's happened so far, they sure do know how to send us off in style.

Kelsey(Nodding vehemently): You can say that again!

Not wanting to idly stand around and wait any longer, the two castaways immediately sit down and start digging into the massive amount of food that has been provided for them. As she begins picking through the options, the flight attendant can't help but squeal at the sight of her favorite chocolate brand.

Kelsey(Barely containing herself): Yes! They finally got some friggin' chocolate on the menu this time! Oh my God, I think I might start crying. Hold on a second.

As Kelsey tries to calm herself down, Tanner simply smiles and chuckles a bit while scooping a big heap of mashed potatoes onto his own plate.

“	The feast was amazing. Everything that I could have hoped and dreamed of on day 39 out here.(Smiling) Every single kind of food, beverage, and alcohol that you could possibly want when you're stranded in the desert. After the utter insanity that the previous thirty-eight days have been, this kind of gig was very much needed and appreciated. No drama, no fights, just food. That's really all that a man can ask for at this point.(Chuckling)	”
–Tanner

After cutting away from Tanner's confessional, him and Kelsey are seen readily eating what they've put on their plates before going back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths. After all, they are the only two who will be eating it.

Tanner: No offense to everyone else, but stuff like this just becomes a billion times more enjoyable when you don't have to think about rationing it out.

Kelsey(Nodding): I know! Sucks to say but I much prefer this than any of the other rewards that we had. More food for us!

Tanner nods along before taking a big bite out of his hamburger while Kelsey continues to indulge in her chocolate. Eventually though, conversation strikes up again as the latter begins to get a bit groggy from all the food.

Kelsey(Sighing loudly): It's really weird though. Out of everybody here, it was you and me who ended up in finals. Isn't that weird? I mean, we basically hated each other for the past week, right?

Tanner(Shrugging): Eh, "hated" isn't the word I'd use but yeah, it is kind of funny that we became the final two in spite of all of our spats.

Though it is clear that Tanner is not all that interested in keeping this conversation topic going, Kelsey just plain doesn't care.

Kelsey(Giggling): Yeah, but it's still so strange how it ended up like this. I always thought I'd be at the end with you and Dex, but when you flipped all I wanted was you out of the game. Crazy how things work out.

Tanner, put off by this blunt remark, resists the urge to roll his eyes.

Tanner(Taking it in stride): You almost got me when you pulled out that idol of yours. I had no idea what the hell was going on that night, I thought I was a goner for sure. Even I'm still a bit confused about how I ended up here.

Kelsey(Sucking in her lips): Yep. Immunity is one hell of a drug as they say.

Though it seems innocent enough when the flight attendant laughs it off and continues digging in to her food, Tanner bites his lip at Kelsey's clear reference to his two recent immunity wins before taking a deep breath and shrugging it off, not wanting to start anything on their last day.

“	Being alone at camp with Kelsey...yeah, definitely not an ideal scenario for me.(Chuckling softly) Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she's a fine girl back home and all that but she has been nothing short of a pain in my ass for most of the time that Ive known her out here. Any chance she had to bitch, whine, or be passive-aggressive she took. She's lucky that all of my allies were already aligned with her because otherwise I would've taken the first opportunity I had to get her out of my hair.(Sighing and smiling) It's all good though. After all, I know for a fact that I'm not the only one that she's rubbed the wrong way so her behavior can only make for a stronger case against her at tonight's Tribal Council. I mean, if she wants to be her usual self and hand the win over to me, then I definitely don't mind taking it!(Grinning and chuckling)	”
–Tanner

As some more time passes by and the majority of the feast has been eaten, the view settles in on Tanner leaning back and relaxing for a bit before sitting back up and noticing that Kelsey still has a sizable portion of food on her plate.

Tanner(Raising an eyebrow): You full already? I'm pretty sure I've seen you eat nothing but chocolate since we started.

Kelsey(Ignoring his witty remark): Eh, I'm sure I'll feel hungry again in like an hour or something. I don't want to get myself sick from eating too much, after all. I'm not about to let you get off that easy tonight.

As she giggles at her own haughty remark about the upcoming Tribal Council, Tanner shakes his head and leans back again, surprised and even a bit impressed by her confidence.

Tanner(Smiling): We'll see about that one. We will definitely see.

The camera then moves back over to Kelsey, who has now tied her hair back and sat back in her chair to chill out, relax, and do some reflecting on the days gone by that she's experienced out in the Arabian Desert.

“	I think I've overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where I am now in this game. I mean, I was supposed to be the first person gone for all I know!(Sighing and resting her head on her palm) It's crazy how even now my mind will go back to that first vote and think about how close I was to being voted out. And then looking back at all of the other stuff like Alan, the immunity idol, Dexter's blindside, everything that's led up to me being here and just thinking about how much I've actually done and gone through out here. This isn't the journey that I thought I was gonna get out of this game when I first got here, but I think I'll be leaving it much happier than I could have ever imagined, no matter what happens tonight.(Grinning widely) Of course, leaving it with the million would be ideal.	”
–Kelsey

One more shot of Kelsey sitting back with her eyes closed and a smile on her face plays across the screen before the view is switched to a later part of the day, one in which both finalists have begun to pack and prep their things for what is to be the Final Tribal Council of the season. While Kelsey is busy running around the camp looking high and low for anything that might be hers, Tanner is seen sitting in front of one of the huts and packing some of his clothes up. After a couple of seconds, he looks up to the beautiful sunset painted onto the sky and takes a deep breath, both excited and nervous for his final night in the Arabian Desert.

“	Going into tonight, I think that my chances are good. I don't want to sound cocky or like I'm all that, but I chose Kelsey to sit next to me for a reason.(Shrugging) I believe I have the best chance at beating her in this final vote over someone like Riley. Nothing else to it. I just need to make sure I have the ego and the backbone to support the decisions I made in front of all the people I screwed over. Simpler than it sounds, but I’m up to the task.(Sighing nervously) And with how much hunger I have for this win, I'm definitely not gonna let Kelsey take it from me easily. I won four immunities, yelled and hollered like I never had before, and backstabbed two of my closest allies to get to this point. I ain't letting go of the title easily. Not at all.(Grinning triumphantly)	”
–Tanner

With their bags and torches in tow, Tanner and Kelsey take one look back at the Aladdin camp that they are about to leave behind, sweeping and epic music accompanying them both as the latter sighs loudly.

Kelsey(Smiling): As much as I have ragged on this place, I will say that this camp has given me some of the best memories of my entire life.

Tanner(Nodding): Same. No matter how much the weather, people, or game beat me down or annoyed me half to death, this is one of the best experiences I've ever taken part in. It's a lot harder to say goodbye to this place than I thought it would be.

As the model takes a deep breath and clenches his eyes shut, Kelsey rolls her eyes and giggles at how sentimental he is getting.

Kelsey(Beginning to turn around): Well, we've got to say adieu at some point and I think now is a better time than ever.

After waving a quick goodbye to the camp she'll never see again, Kelsey begins to head off in the opposite direction, walking with a confident swagger that she hopes to bring into the Final Tribal Council.

“	Before going to sleep last night, I thought I had literally no chance at winning against Tanner. I mean, this is the guy who I spent almost a week campaigning against because he was such a big threat to win. And now I just happen to end up sitting next to him?(Groaning loudly) I thought that I might as well just throw in the towel now. But after waking up today and just reflecting on things, I know that I do have a shot at this thing. Even if it is a microscopic-sized shot, it's still what I have. I've always told myself time and time again out here that no matter what I will never be someone who gives up. Even if all the odds are stacked against me, I'm still going to try my best and exude just as much confidence and prowess as Tanner. It's the only way anyone's going to respect me or my game. Even if I do come out of this with a second place trophy, I at least kept a consistent mantra and never gave in to all of the obstacles telling me to just give up and let myself be the weak little girl who gets voted off first. That's just not how I roll.(Smiling)	”
–Kelsey

Eventually, Tanner joins the flight attendant and the two begin making their final walk to Tribal Council as the sunset is slowly but surely enveloped by complete and utter darkness. The familiar but intense Tribal music now begins to resound in the background as the desert moon rises up and shines brightly on the barren landscape. Eventually, the camera rapidly zooms into the cliffside Tribal Council setting of the season, the music getting louder and crazier as the final two are seen heading into the structure, placing their torches in their respective holders, and taking their seats. As they do so, Probst's gaze slowly shifts from them back to the entrance that they came in from.

Probst: We'll now bring in the members of our jury.

Both Tanner and Kelsey excitably look over to the entrance to see all of the faces of their former castaways as they begin to walk on through the door.

Probst: Sheri, Alan, Dexter, Silas, Debbie, Matthew, and Riley, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

As she sits down on the lower end of the jury seating, Riley gives a wide grin to the two finalists, both of whom are happy and nervous to see her and everyone else together at the same time.

Probst(Taking a seat): Welcome to your Final Tribal Council. Kelsey, Tanner, congratulations. This is as far as you can go in this game. Tonight, the power shifts over to the jury. Seven people you had a hand in voting out now decide who they think is deserving of the title of Sole Survivor and the million dollar check that goes along with it. We'll start with your opening statements. It's your first chance to address the members of the jury since they were voted out. You need to tell them why you think you deserve to win this game. After that, they'll get their chance to address you. And then we'll vote. Kelsey, you're up first.

Kelsey nods before taking one big deep breath, attempting to collect her thoughts before turning and facing the jury.

Kelsey(Keeping her composure): Alright, here we go. Coming into this game, I definitely didn't have any idea what the hell I was doing out in a place like this. I'm the least outdoorsy person ever and the least Survivor-y person ever if you want to put it like that as well. But even then, I was still able to overcome a mountain of obstacles that these attributes plagued me with and actually make it all the way to where I'm sitting now. Going back to the very first Tribal Council out here, I was supposed to be the first one gone. I had a target on my back and I somehow managed to walk out of there with zero allies and still have my life in the game. From there, I did everything I had to do to make sure that I was never in that kind of position again. I made alliances, found an idol, fought as hard as I could in the challenges, I did everything that I could in my power to make sure that I was never in the position of being blindsided again. I'm not coming out and saying my game was perfect, I fully admit that I made a lot of mistakes and quite a few enemies because of my gameplay and personality. But when you look at the two of us sitting here, I think that if you're looking for who actually "survived" this game more, I had a target on me since day one and I was able to make the right connections and do the right things in order to barrel through that stigma and make it all the way to the Final Tribal Council. I don't believe that Tanner can say the same thing about his gameplay.

After ending off her final point, Kelsey takes another deep breath to calm herself. While some of the members of the jury such as Silas and Matthew seem quite receptive to flight attendant's speech, others like Alan and Sheri seem to be anything but pleased.

Probst: Tanner, your turn.

Nodding to Probst's go-ahead, Tanner immediately turns to the jury to address them in his opening speech.

Tanner(Assertively): First of all, let me just set the record straight. Survivor is a game that is outwit, outplay, and outlast at its core. That's the mantra of the game and when it comes to that, I think that I have Kelsey beat. When it comes to outwitting, I believe I played the superior strategic game, one that I know a lot of people didn't even think I had until late in the game. I made all the strong bonds that I needed during the first phase of the game and then when the merge came I started setting everyone up like dominoes so that they could fall one by one. Even if they were close allies to me, if I knew they weren't gonna be a benefit to my own game anymore then I knew that they had to go. No other way around it. And then when it comes to outplay I did win four individual immunity challenges, which is more than anyone else out here. I always did my best to not only just pull my weight in these challenges, but I made sure to pick myself up by the bootstraps and dominate. And for outlast, well all you gotta do is see where I'm sitting. Though I'm sure it wasn't as prominent as Kelsey's, I did have a big target on my back even before the merge. I had the label of the big physical and social threat thrown around a lot during the tribe swap and the final few days that we've been out here. And even then, I still managed to either win my way to safety through immunity or use my connections to my advantage to make sure that enough people took the fall over me for me to propel myself to the end. In terms of this game's key aspects, I think that I better accomplished and accompanied them into my game than Kelsey did.

After Tanner concluded his speech, Sheri can do nothing but roll her eyes and snicker while everybody else seems to be either nodding along or keeping their emotions at an intermediate, wanting to wait until their own speech to address the two finalists.

Probst: Alright, jury, some of you have waited a long time to address Kelsey and Tanner. I'm going to give you guys a minute for everything to sink in. After that, we'll get to the questions.

A shot of each of the two finalist's nervous expression is shown until we see one quick look at the jury before the camera slowly zooms out from the Tribal Council area and to a commercial break.

A quick shot of the entire Tribal Council area is shown before the view is transported back inside the structure and immediately focuses on the final two, both of whom are nervous and anxious for whatever is to come. The camera then moves back over to Probst, who is ready to start up the jury questioning and open the panel for discussion.

Probst: Alright, jury, this is your first chance to address these two since you were voted out. Your job is to determine which one of them you think is more deserving of the title of Sole Survivor. Let's get going!

Silas

Probst: Silas, start us off.

Nodding and taking a deep breath, the now cleaned up and professional looking Silas climbs down from the higher jury seats and stands across from both Tanner and Kelsey, a big smile beginning to play across his face.

Silas(Smiling): First off I'd like to give a big congratulations to you two for makin' it to this point. There's definitely a lot of bitterness bein' shared by those of us sittin' over on that bench over there 'bout how we were voted out by ya or treated by ya or whatever. I just want to say right now that I'm not plannin' on delvin' into that stuff tonight. All I want to hearr from the two of you is the honest truth.

The camera flashes to both Debbie and Matthew raising their eyebrows, suggesting them as potential jurors who fit the "bitter" mold that Silas just mentioned before it moves over to the final two, both of whom and nod and smile at Silas' request.

Silas: Now I think all of us realize that neither of ya played a wholesome game. Hell, I'd like to think that the two of you have figured that out as well. So I'm gonna give ya the chance to show that humility off tonight for everybody to see. I want to hear what you two think was your biggest regret so far in this game. All I ask is that you answer as honestly as possible. Tanner, go ahead.

With the ranchhand quickly prompting him to go ahead, Tanner succinctly answers Silas' question.

Tanner(Nodding): For me, my biggest mistake or regret in this game was not getting Riley out sooner, if I'm being completely honest here. Looking back in hindsight, she was a huge threat to win this whole thing and she was good enough to the point where and me and all the rest of us were fooled into thinking that we could all beat her if we took her to the end. I feel like I let emotions and personal connections kind of take over in this instance and it prompted me to keep her around longer than it would have personally benefited me as a gameplayer.

Silas nods to this as Riley holds back a grin, not wanting to snicker or giggle too loudly in the middle of Tanner's big speech about her.

Silas: Alright. Kelsey, what about you?

Kelsey(Sighing): Ugh, that's a really tough one. I guess I'd have to say my biggest regret was not being able to blindside Tanner at the final five like I had been planning. I do believe he was a big threat to make it to the end, which I ended up being right about, and I think the way that I handled the whole situation was not as...subtle as it could have been. Looking back, I think I could have leveraged the idol a bit more and maybe not have put as much trust in Riley and Matty as I had since it's pretty clear to me now that that was my undoing. But yeah, I think not being able to pull off Tanner's blindside is probably my biggest blunder out here.

Matthew raises an eyebrow to this while Silas nods in the same manner that he had with Tanner, seeming satisfied with both of their responses.

Silas: Thanks to both of y'all for the truthful answers. Good luck with the rest of 'em.

With a bit of foreshadowing at the end there, Silas takes his seat back on the jury bench as Probst motions for the next person to stand up and say their piece.

Riley

Probst: Riley, you're up.

Taking a deep breath, Riley prepares herself for a moment or two before getting up and facing the two people that she was just in camp with less than 24 hours ago. Both Tanner and Kelsey can only look on and sheepishly smile at her as she begins her speech.

Riley: Well, unlike Silas, I'm not so much concerned with your past actions as I am with some of the things that both of you have stated tonight. So I thought I'd address those concerns first and foremost. I'll start with you Kelsey.

Kelsey(Nervously): Okay.

Riley(Smiling and easing up): I do find your story very compelling. Going from the rags of Ghalilah to the riches of the merge was no easy feat, especially being a first-hand witness to how many times you were targeted in the early days of the game. I can respect those claims that you've made about yourself. However, what I am struggling with is the quality of your strategic game. It's one thing to make a lot of big moves and burn a bunch bridges and it's another to actually play a competent strategic game. I know that I'm one to talk on this issue but I would like to be voting for someone who is able to own the game that they played and I'm not sure that you've necessarily done that yet. So I'm going to give you that chance right here and now. Tell me why you did or did not play a good strategic game.

Kelsey(Nodding): There were definitely a lot of bumps in the road, you're right about that. Overall, I don't think I played a great strategic game. Like I said before, I went about the plan to blindside Tanner all wrong and I feel like there were points in the game where I should've been fighting hard or acting in a more graceful manner. I feel like not doing that as much is what caused me to end up getting blindsided at multiple Tribal Councils. I definitely think that those factors are what showed that I haven't played a stellar strategy game. At least by your standards probably.

Riley giggles a bit at the flight attendant's self-deprecation while both Sheri and Debbie are seen rolling their eyes.

Riley(Pushing her hair aside): Oh, I don't know. You might not be giving yourself as much credit as you deserve, honestly.

With that backhanded compliment, Kelsey can only nod along as Riley now turns towards Tanner with an even wider smile on her face. The model himself is already bracing himself for what is to come.

Riley: Honestly, Tanner, I feel like the same thing can apply for your game as well. You won a lot of stuff and made a lot of moves but I'm not quite sure of any actual merit to your game besides blindsiding myself. One could even say that you simply relied on immunity challenges, Dex, and myself to bring you all the way to the end. That's certainly how some of us are looking at it at the very least. How would you respond to that?

Tanner(A bit fired up): I would respond with a loud "hell no!" to that BS. I'm not about to say I was some mastermind from day one on but I definitely made some pretty key moves that helped get myself to this point. Blindsiding Dexter was one of the biggest upsets that occurred out here and it completely switched the game around for everyone. You and I both know that I played a big role in taking him out. I wasn't just relying on you, him, or challenges the whole way through. I earned my spot to be here through the moves that I made.

Riley(Responding): But, on the contrary, you wouldn't have had any room to move on the Dexter vote if I hadn't brought in Debbie and Matty as numbers. I think I can speak for both of them here when I say that none of you had solid relationships with each other before I came into the picture. I am the one that brought everyone together and it was under that unification that we decided to make a move against Dexter. Can you deny that?

Tanner(Sighing loudly): No, I can't deny that. Like I said, my strategic game wasn't perfect by any means. But at least I did have both the balls and the brains to successfully pull off a big move like that instead of choosing to just sit on my ass and be blindsided over and over again like Kelsey. In comparison to her, I think I had the better strategy.

Looking over to him, Kelsey can do nothing but roll her eyes and scoff at the aggressive manner of Tanner's rebuttal.

Kelsey(Sassily): Okay, whatever you say, macho man.

Riley lets out a loud giggle, loving how passionately both of the finalists are getting about their games and how tense things are getting between each of them.

Riley(To Tanner): Fair enough. I think that should be good for now.

With that, Riley blows a kiss towards both Tanner and Kelsey to show that she still has a love for both of them before taking her seat back on the jury bench.

Alan

Probst: Alan, you're up.

Alan(Smiling nervously): Alright, here we go.

As the automobile mechanic makes his way down from the jury bench, both of the finalists' expressions show that they are bracing for another barrage of bitterness to come their way.

Alan(Putting his hands to his sides): Tanner, I honestly don't have anything to ask of you tonight. I believe that I have a pretty good read on the type of game you played over the past couple weeks and I can't really find any blaring faults with it. You had a good social game, dominated in most of these immunity challenges, and played a decently effective strategic game as you have stated here tonight. Aside from some minor tiffs, I don't think I'd have any problem handing you the million dollars. You've definitely earned it, buddy.

Tanner nods and thanks Alan for his seemingly unending praise as Kelsey bites her lip, already expecting the worst from what's to come.

Alan(Turning a bit to the left): And then there's you Kelsey.

Kelsey(Grinning and Nodding): Yes.

Alan(In a more serious tone): From day one, I just plain couldn't stand you. You whined, complained, lazed about, sucked in challenges, I wanted you gone from the very beginning. And maybe in a different universe I'm the one sitting up there and you're back home eating chocolate and peanut butter, but that's beside the point.

Sheri and Debbie both try their best to contain their laughter, stemming both from Alan's eccentric ego and truth behind his words aimed at Kelsey, while Silas shakes his head.

Alan: Even now, I still can't find one reason why I should respect your game. To me, you didn't "overcome" anything. You were dragged along like any other goat. Just a game board piece to be used by whoever you wanted to cling to for that vote. It was absolutely absurd and pathetic to watch as both a gameplayer and a jury member. My question to you is that after such a lackluster performance physically, mentally, and emotionally, why should I give you my vote over someone like Tanner who I believe, up until this point, has played a better overall game than you?

Kelsey(Brushing her hair aside): Why should you give me your vote? Um, maybe because I beat you. For all that big talk and swagger you just gave, I still got you out and made it to the end.

Alan raises an eyebrow, wondering where this is going as Riley and Matty are both seen chuckling and giggling away from the other end of the Tribal Council area.

Kelsey(Angrily): You underestimated me from the very first day we stepped onto the sand and even targeted me on multiple occasions because of how "weak" or "useless" I was for the tribe and for your game. Even so, not only did I survive all your attempts to get me out, but I went on to help vote your behind out of here once we got to the merge. You can say I was a goat and that I clung onto people for every vote, but at least I had the capacity to make friends in the right circles of people to help propel my game, something which you clearly didn't master since you're standing up there and I'm sitting back here. Vote for me or don't vote for me, I'll always relish that fact, Alan. ALWAYS.

A bit caught off-guard by Kelsey's passion, Tanner chuckles and smiles to himself as most of the jury members are quite surprised by the sudden aggression shown by the flight attendant. Alan, however, simply shrugs it off and shakes his head.

Alan(Rolling his eyes): Whatever, I still don't think any of that is all that accurate but I think I got what I need. Thanks to you both.

As Alan saunters his way back to the jury bench, the angry glare on Kelsey's face remains for a couple of seconds afterward as it is very apparent that there has been no love loss between the two of them.

Dexter

Probst: Dexter, you're up.

Nodding to Probst's instructions, Dexter now makes his way up to face the two finalists and give a speech of his own.

Dexter(Chuckling lightly): Well, hello to the both of you once again. I think it's safe to say that I definitely expected to see all three of us make it to the end but I could've never predicted how things actually turned out. It's still nice to see two of my allies sitting up here regardless.

Both Tanner and Kelsey chuckle along to Dexter's compliment as he soon turns to his right to face the latter.

Dexter: I only have a couple of things that I want cleared up for myself and the rest of the jury tonight so I will try my best to keep this brief. For you, Kelsey, all I want is some confirmation that you had no knowledge of the plan to blindside me on day 30.

Kelsey(Nodding vehemently): In no way did I have any knowledge of you going home on the night that you did. That was just as much of a shock for me as it was for you. I had been talking with Tanner and Riley a lot before the vote, but at that point I thought they they were still a part of our alliance and I thoroughly believed that Debbie was the one leaving that night. Believe me, if I had some preconceived info about a blindside I wouldn't have just sat idly by and voted in the minority.

Dexter nods calmly, thanking Kelsey for her answer as Riley and Tanner are both seen raising eyebrows to this statement, not sure what the point of bringing their names into that was.

Dexter: Tanner, on the other hand, I know for a solid fact that you did know about the plan to blindside me on day 30. My concern, however, lies with your level of involvement. Can you tell me exactly when you decided to turn on me and for what reason? I feel like getting some clarity on that would be the most helpful.

Tanner(Sitting up): Sure thing. I think the moment that I started having doubts about keeping you in my core alliance was when we agreed to go to the final three together on the reward. Even though I did trust you and Kelsey to an extent, I felt like phasing Riley out of all of our future plans was a great move for you but a really bad one for me because I had the better connection with her. With that on my brain, I was also approached by Riley who told me that you had been conspiring against me and her as a pair for the past few days. I confronted you about it before the challenge, and you evaded most of my questions so it was at that point that I realized that you were playing all of us in the core five alliance. I wasn't on the top rung anymore and I decided to hitch my wagon somewhere else.

A shot of Riley with a smirk on her face is shown after Tanner concludes before it goes back to Dexter.

Dexter: And what role did you have to play in blindsiding me? Were you the one that came and suggested it to Riley or was it the other way around?

Tanner(With honesty): Riley was the one who originally suggested it before the two of us corralled Debbie and Matty later on. I can't take full credit for the move obviously, but like I said before, there wouldn't have been any big move in the first place if it wasn't for me turning in the first place.

Dexter(Nodding): Alright, I think that I'm satisfied. Good luck to you both.

The two finalists thank Dexter before he goes and takes his seat again, prompting Probst to call up the next jury member.

Debbie

Probst: Debbie, you're up.

A big grin beginning to play across her face, Debbie perkily gets up and stands in front of the two finalists with her arms crossed.

Debbie(With passion): You know, I thought I had a good idea about what I wanted to talk about in front of everyone before I came here. However, after hearing both of your guys' answers to all the questions tonight I can say that anything that was in my head before has been thrown out. I find it so telling that all you two have been talking and arguing about so far is who's the biggest betrayer, who's made the biggest moves, or who's raising their fists after knocking out the most people from the competition. Not once has either one of you bothered to assert or even address any type of loyalty in your respective games. And to me, that just causes me to conclude that you both played incredibly disloyal and spineless games. Not worthy of a victory at all from my perspective.

Tanner catches himself from rolling his eyes as Kelsey shakes her head, clearly not in agreement with the bold statements that Debbie is putting out there.

Debbie(Smiling widely): So, with that being said, I want to hear of one instance in both of your times out here where you showed some, if any, loyalty. Kelsey, I'll start with you.

Kelsey: When it comes to loyalty in this game, there's no other name that comes to mind aside from Riley. She was a close friend to me since the beginning and even after the constant cycle of betrayal that I got from her, I still clung to hope. I still stuck it out with her until the bitter end. Tanner's the one who wanted to pull the plug on that relationship when he won that final challenge. I fully planned on staying true to the alliance I made with Riley on day one and would've brought her to the end if I had the choice. She was always my biggest ally and the person who I knew I could rely on, even if she did backstab me a couple of times in the process.

While Riley giggles to herself from over on the jury bench, Sheri can't help but make a very skeptical face. Debbie, however, simply nods her head and moves on.

Debbie: And Tanner, what was your instance of loyalty in this game?

Tanner: Well, Debbie, as ironic as this might sound it was probably you.

Debbie(Raising her eyebrow): How so?

Tanner(Putting his palm up): Let me explain myself first. Your's, Silas', and Jenna's blindsides were pretty much the only three that I was never privy to. And the latter was because I wasn't even at Tribal to begin with! I had no intention of turning on you the night that you got voted out and I will defend that claim to the death because you were one of the few people on the original Tibat that I aligned with from the get-go and honestly stayed true to the whole way through.

Upon finishing his sentence, Debbie immediately has some choice words for Tanner.

Debbie(Snarkily): And then what was that whole thing where you left me out of the Sheri vote? What was that bulls**t?

Tanner(Defending himself): I was voting out someone who was a big threat to me! Sheri had actively tried to get rid of me at the previous vote and I just didn't plain trust her. You weren't let in on the plan because we all knew you would have told her. Even after the vote, I still wanted to keep you around and stay loyal. If I'm not mistaken, you were the first person to pull the plug on loyalty for me when you conspired with Kelsey to blindside me. Just pointing out the facts. You're free to disagree if you have another definition of "loyal".

After finishing his point, a great deal of the jury members laugh, chuckle, and drop their jaws at the sudden accusation that Tanner throws towards Debbie, who simply takes a deep breath and smiles back.

Debbie: I think I've gotten what I've needed. Thank you.

As Debbie heads back to the jury bench, Tanner just sits and smiles at what just transpired between the two.

Sheri

Probst: Sheri, you're up.

Licking her lips, the model flips her hair to the side before standing up and making her way over to where she needs to face the two finalists. Before she even speaks, it is easy to see the malice plastered onto her face as she begins to open her mouth.

Sheri(Haughty): I don't have any questions for either of you tonight. Not only have I already gotten enough info to confidently know who I'm voting for, I'm just plain sick of hearing both you talk in the first place.

With that bit of snarkiness at the end, both Tanner and Kelsey try their best to keep their composure as they know that this is classic behavior from Sheri. From the jury bench, Dexter is seen rolling his eyes while Silas shakes his head. Clearly, nobody is standing in Sheri's corner even at the bitter end. In spite of this, the plus-sized model goes on with ease.

Sheri(With bitterness): I'm sure I'm not the only person here tonight who thought that this would be an impossible vote to choose between. I mean, it's like choosing between s**t and s**tter. At the end of the day, both options are still s**t. Neither of you played anything close to admirable games in my opinion and I have no problem calling both of you out on that. I don't care that you made it to the end or whatever, doesn't take away from the fact that both of you relied on the backs of much stronger players to get to where you are tonight.

The camera flashes between Dexter and Riley on the jury bench before going back to Sheri putting her hands on her hips.

Sheri(Turning towards Kelsey): Kelsey, I don't think any other word describes you in this game more than spineless. You were utterly spineless your whole time out there. You had an easy ticket to the final five with the alliance that I offered you at the swap but you just chose to keep on enabling all of the big guys in charge. You were happy to keep around all of the big threats on top so long as you were surrounded by people in your approved social circle. If someone didn't click with you right away like myself, Zarah, or Debbie, then they were just written off completely, weren't they?

Debbie can be seen nodding in agreement while Kelsey herself can just sit and shake her head, the model not even giving her so much as a millisecond to speak for herself.

Sheri: You sucked physically, strategically, and socially. "Decent" overall game my ass. If it wasn't for what seems like a countless number of lucky breaks you wouldn't even be here right now. And frankly, I really wish you weren't so I could vote for someone that I actually think played a "decent" game.

Done tearing into Kelsey, Sheri wastes no time in turning towards Tanner and laying into him now.

Sheri(Flipping her hair): Tanner. Like Kelsey, you spent most of your time out here riding on the backs of better players. Whether it be Dexter, Riley, or whoever, you were perfectly content riding coattail so long as you weren't in any danger. Unlike Kelsey, however, your head is so far up your own ass that you think that you played this amazingly stellar game. You thought you were the king of the desert out there and that could not be further from the truth. If it wasn't for those last two challenge wins, you'd have been so done like dinner, dude. There's no chance you would have been able to con your way here if it wasn't for the fact that you've got muscles bigger than your brain. Get over yourself, you're not the strategic genius you think you are. Like Kelsey, you're just simply lucky. And it's going to take a lot for me to suck all that up and vote for someone like you, who spent more time getting horny than doing any actual "game playing". Hope it was all worth it, buddy.

Concluding what seemed like more of a long-winded rant than a speech, Sheri saunters back over to the jury bench as Tanner shakes his head and mumbles under his breath.

Tanner(Rolling his eyes): Hardy har har. Says the screeching girl who did more eating than actual game playing.

Hearing his biting comment, Kelsey covers her mouth to keep from laughing out loud as a view of Sheri sitting up with a confident smirk on her face is shown before Probst moves on.

Matthew

Probst: Matthew, finish it off.

Matthew(In a bombastic tone): Well, it's about time!

As the Bostonian leaps down from the top seats on the jury bench, he is responded to with a healthy mix of laughter, smiles, raised eyebrows, and rolled eyes from both the jury and the finalists.

Matthew(Grinning): Nice to see you both again. First of all, I'd like to go on record to say that Matty B doesn't usually do apologies. I mean what I say and I say what I mean. That being said, I am not happy with how badly things ended between the three of us on the night of my elimination. I can be a real hothead and I just want to say that I'm sorry and I do appreciate both you as people and friends.

Surprised by his uncharacteristic compassion, both Kelsey and Tanner thank Matthew for the kind gesture as he goes on.

Matthew(Sighing heavily): However, that's not gonna stop me from going hard at both of you tonight. I'm still pissed as hell about the way I went out and I definitely want some retribution tonight. I want both of you to give me the cold, hard, truth about why you voted me out and why that was somehow beneficial to your games. I want nothing but honesty at this point, otherwise you can basically kiss my vote goodbye. Tanner, I'll start with you.

Tanner(Nodding): Matty, I honestly voted you out because you were too big a damn threat, dude. Out of the four of us left, you were my strongest competition in the challenges and I knew that if I wanted to maximize my chances of winning immunity, I needed you out of the game. Plain and simple.

Matthew(Raising an eyebrow): Was that really all there was to it? I'm having trouble believing that the only reason you voted for me was because of some bogus "physical threat" excuse. Give me another reason and I think I'll be satisfied.

Tanner(Taking a deep breath): Well, when I found out that you were involved in a lot of the scheming that went on behind my back up to the Tribal Council where I was almost blindsided. I do acknowledge that you and Riley saved me from that, thank you by the way for that, but all of that behind-the-scenes stuff just made me question the trust that I had placed in you. To me, it was easy enough to pick Kelsey up from the fringes and bring in Riley to take out you because you were my biggest threat in challenges and I figured that if it came down to it, you would have chosen Riley over me if I did end up in a final three with you and her. That's the assumption I was operating on and I am sticking to it.

From the jury bench, Sheri makes a face and shakes her head as Matthew too is a still a bit skeptical of this reasoning. Nevertheless, he thanks Tanner for the answer and moves on to the other finalist.

Matthew: What about you, Kelsey? Why did you vote me out and how did that benefit your game?

Kelsey: Not only was I after you because you were already after me at the final four, I voted you out because you backstabbed me at the previous Tribal Council by voting out Debbie instead of Tanner. I had finally gotten a bit of power back after being blindsided by Dex going and you and Riley had just taken all that away in one fell swoop. My idol and someone who I believed was loyal to me at the time all went out and I was left back on the bottom again. Of course I'm going to want someone like you out! You and Riley had reestablished yourselves at the top and I could think of no better person to go after than the person who was both on the top of the food chain and could win challenges. You were the best option for me at that point and I had no reason not to go along with the plan.

Tanner raises his eyebrows, knowing full well that Kelsey is trying to wrongfully paint herself as Matthew's undoing while the Bostonian himself is nodding along the entire way.

Matthew(Smiling): Thanks to both of ya. It was a pleasure playing and yelling at you the whole way.

Another series of laughs and chuckles come from the rest of the jury members and finalists as Matthew takes his seat and effectively ends the jury speech segment.

Voting and Reading of the Votes

Probst: Okay, jury, thank you for a very thorough and entertaining Tribal Council tonight. Hopefully, the answers you got from Tanner and Kelsey have made your decision on who to vote for a little easier. I'll give you a moment for everything to settle in and then we will get to the voting.

The camera shows shots of both the finalists and the jury as they all get lost in thought for one more time while the scene fades out for a commercial break.

Another overhead shot of the cliffside Tribal Council area is observed before the camera picks up back inside. Here, the final two of Tanner and Kelsey are seen awaiting the vote while the jury is awaiting Probst for his permission to get everything going again.

Probst: Alright. Thirty-nine days in this exotic and punishing desert all come down to this. One final vote. Tonight, you are voting for a winner. You're voting for either Tanner or Kelsey, who you think is more deserving of being the Sole Survivor. For the last time, it is time to vote. Alan, you're up.

A smirk forming across his face, the automobile mechanic excitedly nods and gets up from his seat, eager to get his vote onto parchment. Once Alan reaches the voting booth, he is seen writing down a name and revealing it for the audience to see.

“	Out of the two, you played far and away the better game. I don't know how this is even a contest anymore, there's no question that you deserve it and that's why you're getting my vote.	”
–Alan(Voting for Tanner)

A shot of Tanner resting his chin on the palm of his hand is shown before a quick montage of some of the other jury members heading over to the booth to vote is shown. Sheri, Silas, and Riley are all observed putting their ballots in the urn before the montage slows and zooms in a bit as Matthew writes down a name.

“	This was really hard for me to do, but I just can't give my vote to a scumbag like Tanner. You may have rubbed me the wrong way but I have a hell of a lot of respect for what you've done and overcome to get to this point. Not a Matty Saratino endorsed perfect game or anything, but good enough as it is.(Smiling)	”
–Matthew(Voting for Kelsey)

Kelsey takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, quite nervous in the midst of all the tension that the voting has brought up. As Matthew is seen taking his seat, Debbie gets up after him to go vote as well. Soon after, Dexter is seen dropping his vote into the urn before making his way back to the jury bench and taking a seat.

Probst: For the last time, I'll go tally the votes.

Jeff walks back to the booth that the seven jurors just came from as the anxiety-ridden expressions on the finalists' faces are shown before he gets back with the urn in hand.

Probst: Kelsey, Tanner, jury, thank you all for a great season of Survivor. I would love to read the votes right now but we'll all have to wait. I will see you in Los Angeles for the reading of the votes.

Kelsey grits her teeth, wanting to know the results this second as Tanner's shoulders relax and he excitedly smiles to himself. The jurors all watch Probst walk out in awe as he is seen walking along the entrance to the Tribal Council before the scene quickly transitions to a studio in LA where the reading of the votes will take place. Applause and cheering rings throughout the building as we get a few good shots of the final two and the jury all dressed up and looking nice for the occasion.

Arabia Final Two
Kelsey	Tanner

Once Probst sets down the urn, everyone takes their seat and quiets down.

Probst(As the audience slowly chills out): Alright! The time has come! Thank you! And thanks to everybody here and even the cast members voted off before the merge for one of the craziest and most intense seasons of Survivor we've ever had. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for some of you, tonight it all comes to a close. And it all comes down to this, Tanner versus Kelsey!

The audience and jury members all let applaud and cheer once again as closer shots of both Kelsey and Tanner sitting up in front of everyone are shown before it goes back to Probst.

Probst: Now, let's get to it. In this urn are seven votes, these are votes for a winner, tonight you do want to see your name on that piece of parchment. It takes four to win. I'll now read the votes.

Probst removes the lid off of the urn as the lights are dimmed. Both finalists can be seen taking in deep breaths, the excitement and anxiety all coming together at once as Probst pulls out the first ballot.

First vote: Tanner (1-0)

Loud cheering and clapping erupt from the audience as Tanner grins and nods at his first vote, still happy to see his name up there even though at least one vote was expected.

Second vote: Kelsey (1-1)

While Kelsey remains stagnant, she is secretly relieved to see a vote for her come up, any fears of a landslide victory washing away as loud applause once again emerges from the audience.

Third vote: Tanner (2-1)

As the applauding begins to repeat itself, Tanner nods again at the second vote for him. The tension, however, still remains pressing and thick as Probst pulls out the next vote.

Fourth vote: Kelsey (2-2)

The flight attendant's entire face lights up at the sight of a second vote for herself, not exactly expecting a good portion of the jury to favor her going in. With the vote tied now, Probst begins to draw out the process even more to increase the suspense.

Fifth vote: Tanner (3-2)

With the votes for him starting to pile up, Tanner clenches his eyes shut while Kelsey brushes her hair aside and takes another deep breath, stakes for both of them being the highest they'll ever be. As the audience remains silent and the seven jury members all look on, Probst pulls out the next ballot and reads it aloud for all to hear.

Sixth vote:

Probst: The winner of Survivor: Arabia.......................

....................TANNER!

With his ultimate victory announced through paper and through word, Tanner immediately jumps to his feet and pumps his fists, the overpowering sensation of winning and triumphant victory beginning to envelope his as he realizes for a fact that he is the winner of the season. Kelsey, though disappointed from the outcome, gets up and gives her fellow finalist and big congratulatory hug, telling him that he definitely earned the placement. Tanner thanks her and gives a gigantic hug to Riley as well before practically jumping off the stage to go meet up and celebrate with his family members in the audience, all of whom who are overly-excited to see the male model achieve victory for the season. The pre-merge boots are seen entering in from the back entrance as everyone on the stage starts to happily and excitedly mingle. With this, the camera pans to Probst.

Probst: In a season of incredible isolation, heated emotions, and some of the biggest blindsides we've ever seen, it's Tanner, the physical and strategic powerhouse from Austin that takes it all home tonight, earning the title of Sole Survivor and the million dollars that comes along with it. Stay tuned for the live Reunion Show after the break.

A slow-motion reaction of Tanner's victory is shown along with a pan to his hometown cheering for him before the camera cuts out and goes to a commercial break before the Reunion Show.

Tribal Council

Day 37

Tribal Council 13: Aladdin
Voted Against	Voter
Matthew (3 votes)	Kelsey, Riley, Tanner
Kelsey (1 vote)	Matthew
VOTED OUT: Matthew Saratino

Voting Confessionals

“	If you actually survive this vote, you've got to be the luckiest girl in the world. I have nothing left for either you or Tanner except for contempt and bitterness.	”
–Matthew

“	The only person who needs to "fix their fake ass attitude" here is you. Sayonara, buddy! I definitely won't be missing you.	”
–Tanner

Final Words

“	(Wiping the tears from his face) God, I can't believe I'm even sitting here right now, man. It's the biggest load of BS for Tanner and Kelsey to stay over me. I can't even believe that.(Shaking his head) I would never have backstabbed Riley for either of them and it's just getting me all worked up right now because that's exactly what she f**king did to me. She stabbed me right in the back and sent me out of the game just two days before the end. I just can't believe that, man. S**t, I was so close to victory and it all crumbled down right at the last second.(Covering his face with his hands)	”
–Matthew Saratino

Day 38

Tribal Council 14: Aladdin
Voted Against	Voter
Riley (1 vote)	Tanner
VOTED OUT: Riley Wahlstedt

Voting Confessionals

No voting confessionals were aired during this Tribal Council

Final Words

“	(Covering her face) Jesus Christ, I knew that I messed up badly. I knew it, I should've seen this coming, and yet I still believed that I had Tanner fooled until the very end. Good on him I guess for finally seeing through all my bulls**t.(Giggling sadly) It was a fun run out here, I only wish that it could've lasted one day longer. Alas, that's nothing but a dream at this point. I wish both Tanner and Kelsey all the luck in the world tomorrow though. I love them both and I can't wait to see them sitting up there in the final two.(Taking a deep breath before smiling)	”
–Riley Wahlstedt

Final Tribal Council

Final Tribal Council: Aladdin
Voted For	Voter
Tanner (5 votes)	Alan, Debbie, Dexter, Riley, Silas
Kelsey (2 votes)	Matthew, Sheri
RUNNER-UP: Kelsey Powell
WINNER: Tanner Stanton

Still in the Running

Arabia
Ghalilah
Alan	Calvin	Dahlia	Kelsey	Maurice	Riley	Sawyer	Zarah
Tibat
Debbie	Dexter	Jenna	Matthew	Patti	Sheri	Silas	Tanner

Author's Notes

• The title of the episode was said by Tanner when describing his desire for one more day of relaxation in the desert before facing the heat at the Final Tribal Council.