A new Alliance changed Survivor as it got even closer to the finale.
After 45 days on the island, the Reward Challenge presented a huge prize to play for. Brian was the first to snag the set of car keys, winning himself a brand new set of wheels and a night away from camp with a comfy bed and pizza. He selected Monika to enjoy the reward with him as he was worried that she would be too easily persuaded, leaving Shonee alone with Sharn and Shane back at camp.
Monika can see straight through Brian’s strategy to take her with him to final two, elucidating that the Jury will not want to give Brian the prize since he is known as a “lying, two-faced, know-it-all”.
Shane believed the destiny of the game to be a foregone conclusion, as the game favoured Brian’s age and stature. Shane and Sharn convinced Shonee that Brian is unstoppable and a peril to her game. Together they created the “Sh” alliance, which reflected both the starting letters of their names, but also the fact that secrecy is paramount to the success of their new alliance.
At the Immunity Challenge, Sharn and Shane were successful in creating a fire, while Brian, Monika and Shonee struggled to create a flame. Sharn won her third Individual Immunity, placing the “Sh” alliance in the majority, leaving Brian and Monika vulnerable.
Returning to camp, Brian is cocky but pretends to look for an Idol to ensure the remaining castaways do not suspect he already has one in his pocket. Shonee’s poker face is strong as she confirms with Brian that she is still aligned with him, however Brian’s antenna is up as he is suspicious about Shane’s composed state.
Shonee shares Brian’s fears around Shane’s relaxed state with Sharn, who quickly reports to Shane that she needs to act more worried to ensure Brian and Monika are none the wiser to their plans. Shane thought she would dread having to be manipulative but she in fact revels in being devious and does a convincing job of it.
As Brian naps on the beach, the girls become apprehensive of his tranquil state. Since they do not have the numbers to split the vote, the “Sh” alliance decide to put their votes on Monika as they are convinced Brian has an Idol up his sleeve.
Everyone puts on an act at Tribal Council, as Brian pretends to be filled with doubt about his future in the game, Shonee acts like she is sticking with her original alliance and Shane pretends she is in the minority.
Brian plays his Idol, the “Sh” alliance place three votes on Monika and Brian is left in stunned silence as the Shonee, Shane and Sharn walk out on top, in a blindside that impressed the Jury greatly.
On leaving the game, Monika said: “I just got completely blindsided and I’m still in shock. I’m so disappointed that I am gone but at the same time I totally have exceeded my expectations. I was concerned about being the first person voted out and here I am – the 20th!”
