Episode Report Card Sara M: A+ | 4 USERS: A+ YOU GRADE IT WHAT
By Sara M | Season 16 | Episode 13 | Aired on 05.08.2008
Probst asks Erik how he can actually win this game now, and Erik says he doesn't know because he doesn't see any "friendly faces" in the jury. Eliza makes sure to nod along with that, because apparently Cirie, like, blinked her a message in morse code that it was important to make Erik feel as hated as possible, even from the jury. "I need some kind of redemption," Erik says, and Natalie starts to look a little bit hopeful. Probst asks Cirie if saying you're sorry matters. Cirie says redemption does matter and is necessary for jury votes. But you can't get redemption with words -- only actions. HINT HINT, Erik. I have to say, the ladies played this beautifully, like they were playing in a four-piece orchestra. And Probst was their conductor.
And here's the moment I can't believe we're actually in suspense about: Probst asks Erik if he wants to give away his immunity necklace. The girls do their very best to look nonchalant. "This is a very tough decision for me," Erik starts. We cut to Jason raising his eyebrows in surprise and then laughing, and when JASON is laughing at your game choices, you know you're making the wrong ones. Wow. Eliza, of course, is wide-eyed and open-mouthed. Even the usually-scowling Ozzy looks surprised. Erik continues that he's made mistakes in the last couple of days and he knows that actions speak louder than words. Therefore: "I want to give individual immunity to Natalie." WHAT. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT!!!!!!! If you had told me that this would happen in the beginning of this episode, I would not have believed you. I still don't believe it now, and I'm on my second viewing. Giving away the immunity necklace! After several tribal councils where it was clear that the only reason he didn't get voted out was because he had immunity! Natalie turns away from Erik and looks around to make sure she didn't pass out and wake up in Opposite Land. Parvati just looks disgusted. Eliza manages to look even more surprised than she did when Ozzy was voted out, which I didn't think was possible. Ozzy just smiles and shakes his head. Natalie puts the necklace on gingerly, still thinking it can't be real but that this is a very realistic dream she's having. Amanda has to put a hand over her mouth, which is wide open. James breaks his jury silence with laughter. "Suddenly, Natalie, you are safe," Probst says, not sure if he should be beyond disgusted with Erik for doing something so blatantly stupid or kissing him for putting this show back on the map. He sends Erik off to vote first.