Survivor: China - Episode 12

Episode 12 of Survivor China sees an alliance that, despite turning on members Jean Robert and James, has remained intact to dominate the final 5. The only way Todd, Amanda, Courtney and Denise, original Fei Long members all, won’t be the final four is if PG can win her third of the last 4 immunity challenges.

Denise wins the reward challenge for the second week in a row, returning her to the tight spot of having to choose who will accompany her on a trip off the island. She picks the two most treacherous members of her alliance, Todd and Courtney. This leaves a very pissed off PG and Amanda behind as the others jet off to visit the Great Wall.

As the others flyt off for their visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world, Amanda makes the first move. She’s been toying with the idea of blind-siding Todd ever since he betrayed James and decides to make nice with PG.

“Why do you dislike me so much,” she asks. This opens the communication lines between the two, with PG pathetically grateful for a chance to poke around in the other alliance.

Meanwhile, Denise, Courtney and Todd get a chance to have a private feast atop the Great Wall. Courtney and Todd pull the ugly American routine and spend way too much time complaining about the food and the service.

Cut to PG and Amanda hauling in a net-load of fish. That night, munching on the day’s catch under a full moon, Amanda discusses her alliance-mates with PG, giving PG hope that Amanda might be open to getting rid of Todd.

Back at the Great Wall, Todd feels out Denise and Courtney about dumping Amanda should PG win immunity. Courtney has an as-long-as-it’s-not-me attitude. Denise just smiles and hopes they can’t read her eyes in the dark. The three return to camp the next day. Asked how was the Great Wall, Todd and Courtney complain about the food, further alienating Amanda.

The immunity challenge combines tasks from earlier challenges. Four rounds with the last place finisher eliminated after each. First is ninja throwing stars; Todd is eliminated. Second is a repeat of the belute (duck fetus) eating contest that Denise couldn’t complete even to save her friend, James. She does no better this time and is eliminated. Third task is bouncing a ball on a drum while stepping over some short obstacles. Bye-bye Courtney. Final task is chopping through ropes to free eight puzzle pieces and then completing the puzzle. Amanda wins.

So we go to tribal council with PG the target unless Amanda and Denise decide to turn on Todd. Back at camp Todd, who got a real meal at a real table the day before, is offended that Amanda and PG ate so much of the camp rice while he was dining out. You know, I used to like him but now he’s just annoying. In an aside to the camera, he says he feels safe, but if the others turn on him, “big ups to them for figuring out a way to get rid of me.”

At tribal council Amanda and PG discuss their chance to bond. Courtney rolls her eyes so hard she gets whiplash and requires medical attention before the voting can take place. For his part, Todd plays up what a hated character he is, trying to weasel the others into dragging him into the final two.

PG gets voted off. Sunday is the big finish. I say Amanda and Todd in the final 2 with Amanda taking home the million.