More info from
survivorphoenix We confirm that the tribes will indeed merge in Episode 9, bringing to a close the death watch of the Ravu tribe.
The press photos posted by MeSS poster anywho show the two tribes arrive separately at Exile Island for the traditional greet, eat and cheer of the merge ceremonies. The players then return to camp Moto Minus (aka Bula) as one united (?) tribe with brand new buffs.
The following photo shows the merged players with outstretched arms and closed hands. As we reported previously, the new tribe gets thrown a twist: instead of the individual Immunity challenge everyone expects, the players are divided into two teams. Teams, not tribes. Remember, they have already merged.
Clearly, our initial information about Dre was incorrect. More on that later, but for now, as a peace offering, we have some additional details on the challenge.
We were told that the players are holding individual green and orange rocks. Yes, we think it is confusing that they are using the same colors as the original tribe colors, but producers must have gotten a great deal on the paint.
The two teams should break down as follows:
Alex, Dre, Michelle, Mookie and Stacy
Boo, Cassandra, Earl, Edgardo and Yau-Man The challenge itself is designed to test communication and problem-solving. The players will need to retrieve all the bags containing puzzle pieces and then solve the puzzle. Look for the challenge star to have a big impact once again.
The winning tribe enjoys a meal.
The losing tribe leaves for Tribal Council immediately. We have heard that the players might even be blindfolded to prevent any deliberation on the way to Tribal Council.
Back to our conflicting information. In piecing together the tips we received, there was a bit of miscommunication about Dre's actual role in this week's boot. Before the challenge, Stacy was being targeted by most members of the new tribe,
yet it wasn't Stacy who ended up being booted. We will have to wait to see the show to determine whether Dre's play was a strategic move, a spur of the moment emotional response or a case of mistaken identity.