It's A Long Way From Home

"It's A Long Way From Home"

Season	Survivor: The Australian Outback
Episode Number	12/13 (025)
First Broadcast	November 2, 2014
Episode Chronology
Previous	How Things Have Changed
Next	Tonight I Will Soar

It's A Long Way From Home is the twelfth episode of Survivor: The Australian Outback.

Story

Day 33 (Night)

The final five return to camp having just voted Farrell out of the game, leaving the newly formed "alliance" as the remaining members. However, tribal council proved that the group are in disarray, as Reniero tried to blindside fellow alliance member Carlson, and Victor joined Farrell in trying to oust Reniero, even attempting to get Carlson, Alia and Curt involved.

“	Tonight things didn't go my way at all. I once again find myself failing to get out the leech that is Carlson. I don't know if I'm playing with idiots... or if I'm just the idiot. We have an opportunity to take out the person who seems to have control, and the others freak out and don't do it. But what's worse is two people wrote my name down, if one more had I'd be out of this game.	”
–Reniero

Wasnt that fun...- Carlson

Well at least two of us are a little confused right now, and I know I'm one of them...- Victor

So you voted for me?- Reniero

Yep, yep I did.- Victor

And you voted for me Reniero? What is this the second time?- Carlson

Third...- Alia

The third time... And here I was thinking you'd got over whatever drama we had to begin with.- Carlson

“	Prior to attending tribal council I was informed by Victor that Reniero was coming after me. Despite Victor's warnings being truthful I decided to stick to the original plan, which was voting out Farrell. The thing which ultimately caused the Ogakor alliance to fall apart was that they turned on one another. They had this game... They had guaranteed themselves one of their own would likely win. But they turned on each other, and that caused their downward spiral to begin... Despite having differences with Reniero, I realize that turning on him would start my own downward spiral... I know Victor is a smart player... He's the only smart player in this game besides myself and Alia... So to give him any hope of making it to the top would be foolish.	”
–Carlson

“	I went into tribal thinking that Reniero was heading home, seeing as I had bothered to warn Carlson that he was in trouble, and Carlson then informed me that Reniero would go home for it. Farrell leaving is ultimately a problem because now I feel as though its myself and Reniero on the outs... If I can get to the end of this game with Alia, Curt or Reniero by my side... Then I think I can win this. Carlson is the only person who I feel is... setting himself up to win. Right now I feel lost in my own train of thought... I'll think about scenarios tonight whilst trying to sleep... and hopefully by morning I know which path I want to take.	”
–Victor

Day 34

The final five sit around camp, having done few chores throughout the day, having lost the will to work. The group discuss their families, knowing that they are only a handful of days away from being able to speak with them again. Reniero slowly gets involved in the conversation, feeling somewhat awkward when around Carlson. Alia seems to control the conversation, making it more comfortable for others to get involved.

I would definitely love for you guys to meet my sister. It would be cool for her to be out here with us because she's like the nicer version of me (laughs)- Alia

If I could bring one person out to see this is would definitely be my mum. She's going to cry with laughter when she sees what a visual mess I am out here...- Victor

Oh God, its not going to be fun watching ourselves back.- Alia

Hopefully Selena doesn't leave me out of embarrassment (laughs)- Reniero

“	Today was one of those nicer days for a while, because we just sat and talked and remembered all the things we loved outside of betraying and backstabbing people. Its definitely interesting in group conversations when Curt and Carlson stay quiet, whilst myself, Reniero and Victor talk about our families. I think it does highlight that Curt and somewhat Carlson show a lack of empathy at times... and that they are very game driven whilst we're here. Whether that will help one of them win I don't know... But I could never just put the game before my family, I'm not like that.	”
–Alia

“	We're five days away from the end of this game. Honestly I just want it to hurry up because the longer I sit around the less of a chance I feel I have of winning... I just want to get back to Selena... to my family... They outweigh a million dollars.	”
–Reniero

So what about you Curt? Who do you miss? Or what do you miss?- Victor

I miss... Nothing really. I can last another thirty-nine days if I need to.- Curt

Oh c'mon don't put on the tough guy act, let it out.- Alia

What? Just because I aint like you going on and on about my family I must be putting on an act?- Curt

No... No that's not what I mea-...- Alia

I swear if I gotta sit here and listen to you moping on about your sister any longer I might vote you out next...- Curt

“	We were all just sat having a calm chat, and I stupidly tried to be inclusive, asking Curt what he missed. This caused an eruption of hatred spilling out of Curt, aimed towards Alia... Who really hadn't done anything wrong. I don't know why we've put up with Curt for thirty-four days but he's reached his end if you ask me.	”
–Victor

Oh just shut it now Curt... You've gotten old and your displays of stupidity are less then threatening now, its just embarrassing to be around.- Alia

And you're not embarrassing!? You've not got a single thing going for you out here girl...- Curt

Oh and you do? (laughs) Curt the only reason you're still here is because we ALL know we could beat you in a final two!- Alia

Well you'll never know... You're going next.- Curt

“	I've had it with Alia. Haven't liked the girl since the merge, and still don't like her. From spitting nails at me to stirring s**t up in the group, she's an all round horrible person. I had to make the next call, and the next call was that Alia will be going home. I know that Reniero and Victor will join me on that... Carlson can join us or sign his game away. If he hasn't learned from the demise of Clarity, Ned and Farrell... then that's his own Goddamn fault.	”
–Curt

“	I remember laughing at the thought of ever ending up in an alliance with Curt, and the fact that it ended up happening is awful, because being around him is the worst punishment someone could ever receive. He needs to go home now... Right now... Screw waiting for tribal council, two more days with him is too much...	”
–Alia

The argument between Curt and Alia quickly fades away, with the two simply avoiding each other. Curt mentions to the three other males that Alia has to go next, whilst Alia says the same about Curt. The group end up working, finding the will to do so as it means they can avoid any further awkward confrontations.

Day 35

The final five are given tree mail informing them that they will be heading to their next reward challenge, in which one member will be able to speak to his or her family members over an internet chat. Jeff informs the final five that they will each have a short moment to great whichever family members are on the other end of the chat.

“	As soon as Jeff told us we were going to talk to family members... Myself and Victor just broke down into tears. I'm pretty sure I even saw Carlson and Reniero's eyes watering... (laughs whilst wiping a tear)	”
–Alia

“	For us to talk about our loved ones yesterday, then today we get the opportunity to speak with them... It was a nice change from sitting around the negativity that is Curt.	”
–Carlson

Ok, Alia... You want to go first?- Jeff

Yes!- Alia

Alia begins typing, before bursting into tears upon realizing she is talking to her mother, father, twin sister and grandparents. Carlson goes next, excited to be talking to his mother, who he states is his biggest inspiration in life. Curt talks with his long time girlfriend, which makes him crack a smile. Reniero goes next, speaking to his girlfriend Selena, leaving Victor to go last, who once again cries once he realizes he is speaking to his mother and grandma. Jeff informs the survivors that their loved ones will be answering the questions, meaning it is up to them to win the reward, which will be a 30 minute private chat, plus $500 to spend online. In the end, Alia's family win the challenge, allowing her to spend time talking to those she misses.
Challenge: Survivor.com
The Survivors communicate with their loved ones via the Internet. They will each ask their loved ones a series of survival-based questions. The Survivor whose loved ones answer the most questions correctly wins.
Reward: 30-minute private chat with family and a $500 Internet shopping spree courtesy of VISA to buy gifts from afar for their loved ones.
Winner: Alia

Reward Challenge: Survivor.com
Result	Winner	Competitors
Castaway	Alia	Carlson, Curt, Reniero & Victor

Alia sits down to talk with her family, telling them that she misses them dearly, and that she cant wait to get "home cooking" as soon as she's back. The conversation continues this way for a majority of the time, before Alia is given tips from her grandfather, who tells her to remember that "everyone wants the money", and that she shouldn't let "game friendships" get in the way of her winning. Alia assures her family that she will keep playing the game her hardest, before enjoying the shopping spree, buying a brand new recording device in the process so she can "enjoy her season in years to come". Alia says goodbye to her family, who once again wish her good luck. Alia heads back to camp, with the four boys trailing ahead of her, all upset they weren't able to win the precious time with their own loved ones.

“	I definitely think talking to my family has given me a boost. It reminded me that I'm not just playing this game for myself, but I'm playing it for all of them back home... If I win the money, they win the money... If I lose, then they lose too. My grandpa is a wise man and he always knows what to say, so for him to give me a little bit of an online pep talk... I think it will definitely play to my favor.	”
–Alia

Good job today buddy...- Carlson

Thank you (hugs Carlson)- Alia

Feeling better?- Victor

Most definitely. I want to say this, and its not meant in a bad way... But, I think we all won that reward... We all got to talk to our loved ones... We all got to get some love... But its just mine lasted a bit longer.- Alia

Of course. No one should feel bitter about that.- Carlson

“	Alia tried to claim that everyone had won today... I don't feel I won. I didn't get to talk to my fiancée for thirty minutes... I got to say hello and goodbye once we'd lost.	”
–Reniero

“	I thought that because we had the positivity of our loved ones communicating with us, that the atmosphere at camp would be... pleasant. I don't know how I can always assume this considering we're living with Curt...	”
–Carlson

You gonna stop going on about your family now you hogged thirty minutes with them?- Curt

(doesn't answer)- Alia

Curt, lets not... Please?- Victor

Lets now what? I'm simply hoping the Queen over there isn't going to be whining about her family now that she won and got ANOTHER reward.- Curt

(standing, ignoring Curt) I'm going to find some food, anyone want to tag along?- Alia

Sure...- Carlson

“	I'm counting down the hours... minutes... Hell I'm counting down the seconds until we vote out Curt. He just wants to provoke people time and time over. At first the rumors he was a chauvinist to me seemed like someone just throwing around the word too loosely... like "racist" or "bully"... But I do now strongly believe Curt is a chauvinist. My heart goes out to his girlfriend, I just hope Survivor puts a hotline number for domestic troubles below this as we're on air... for her sake.	”
–Alia

“	I love just calling Alia out on all her bulls**t. She feels like the world owes her something, and it brings me such joy knowing I wont give into her ways. The others are starting to notice it too, I can just tell they are. Its only a matter of time before I briefly talk with Victor and Reniero, which should be enough to send Alia (whistles and jolts his hand backwards) out of this game.	”
–Curt

Alia and Carlson head off together, with Alia ranting about how Curt needs to be the next to go, causing Carlson to try and calm her down, stating that they need Curt, as he is the perfect ally for them.

But he's coming after me Carlson! Me!- Alia

And? Reniero was coming after me, that didn't make you jump on the bandwagon to vote him out...- Carlson

Yes but this is different! There's a chance I could actually go... Its not like Reniero was ever going to get you out.- Alia

If you can just calm down... and think for me... Think of all we've done, and what we're going to do. There's no need for us to go after Curt, not at this point... It has to be Victor, who... I'm sorry to say... Has run his cause.- Carlson

Victor next? Before Curt? Seriously..!?- Alia

Why not? Isnt he the next big non-Kucha threat?- Carlson

Honestly... I don't know how I feel about going after him... He's been good to us, he's looked out for you!- Alia

And what? You just want me to hand him a spot in the final three? (laughs)- Carlson

“	Alia needs to accept that things cant change just because she wants them to. Last tribal I went in vulnerable just like she might be... But I stuck to the plan, I wasn't going to waver as that would help dig my grave. Victor has to go home next, and that's not because he's a bad guy, its because he's my biggest competition...	”
–Carlson

Day 36

The final five receive tree mail informing them that they will be facing their next individual immunity challenge. All five members aim to give it their all, with no one feeling truly safe. Carlson and Victor both feel safer then the others, with Victor unaware that his "ally" Carlson is in fact targeting him. Reniero hopes to get back into his winning streak, now aware that he is in danger having gone against Carlson at the previous tribal council. With both Alia and Curt threatening each other, the chance to win immunity seems as though it could provide the guarantee that the other will go home.

“	Tonight, I don't feel immunity is something I particularly need. I understand that you're never safe in this game, but I don't see anyone turning on me tonight, not after what we've witnessed at camp. Alia wants Curt out, Curt wants Alia out, Reniero has no power... Victor will do what we say... Victor is going home if I can control the next vote... And I'll make sure I do (laughs)	”
–Carlson

“	I would like to win immunity today just so I can keep it a little big longer... It seems that Curt is on everyone's hit lists right now... Reniero needs to go too, because he's just becoming a loose cannon, and we don't need another one of them around camp... Hopefully neither of them get the immunity so the plan can stay the same, and there's no pre-tribal changes we need to face.	”
–Victor

Challenge: Fugitives
With hands, feet, and waist shackled, each Survivor must answer questions painted on wood beside remnants of an abandoned cattle station. The questions are based on a story told by host Jeff Probst. Each correct answer yields a key that opens one of the locks. The person with the most opened locks to cross the finish line first wins.
Winner: Victor

Immunity Challenge: Fugitives
Result	Winner	Competitors
Castaway	Victor	Alia, Carlson, Curt & Reniero

The final five return to camp, with Victor once again wearing the immunity necklace, having just saved himself from a likely elimination; despite not knowing this himself. Carlson sits by the fire, quickly trying to think of a backup decision, with his plan to oust Victor now no longer possible. Alia congratulates Victor, before sitting next to Carlson, hoping that he will now be willing to vote out her nemesis Curt.

“	Carlson's master plan to vote out Victor went up in flames, and quite frankly I'm glad. Victor doesn't deserve to go before Curt... Who is quite possibly the most horrific thing to ever breathe. Tonight I will be writing down Curt's name... Carlson's either with me on this or he's on his own... If he doesn't want to back up his closest ally then that's his problem.	”
–Alia

If we don't vote him out, I'm honestly frightened as to what your intentions are.- Alia

What do you mean?- Carlson

Well, you said he's not winning... Are you planning to take him to the end over me? Is that it?- Alia

C'mon Ali... That's not fair... Don't try and make me out to be like that.- Carlson

You're turning on Victor pretty easily...- Alia

“	Alia is p***ing me off today. She is trying to make me out to be the bad guy because she's not getting what she wants, and quite honestly I think she needs to wake up and face the facts. I'm voting for Reniero or Curt, and I'm going to listen to what others are doing before I make my decision... I'm not going to vote how Alia wants me to based off her own personal feelings.	”
–Carlson

Having just won immunity, Victor calmly places his belongings down, under the assumption that Curt or Reniero will be going home. He waits around to speak with Alia and Carlson, but is quickly pulled over by a panicked Reniero, who frantically asks who Victor will be voting. Victor states that he is unsure, but would suggest voting Curt at this point, as he feels he has angered too many individuals over the past few days. Reniero walks off, leaving Victor to speak with Carlson and Alia. The three have a discussion, where Alia strongly campaigns to get rid of Curt. Carlson sits quietly, ignoring both Alia and Victor, and instead tries to think up the best solution for himself. Curt interrupts the group, trying to make sure no other strategy can take place. After Carlson walks off from the group, Curt decides to pull Victor and Reniero to one side.

“	After Carlson abandoned me I was left to watch Curt's blatant attempts at strategizing against me...	”
–Alia

Just letting you guys know I'm voting for Queen b**ch over there. She's had enough pampering for thirty-six days... Time she moved the hell out of here. Hope you're both in... You are in right?- Curt

Why not Carlson?- Reniero

Because I said Alia!- Curt

And you're set on voting for her?- Victor

Absolutely... Its only a matter of time before she causes one of you to go home... Let's stop that from happening altogether.- Curt

“	I've spoken to both Reniero and Victor, and let them know what needs to be done. They worried me with their slight slow approach to strategy. I can only hope that they're not so far up someone else's ass that they can think for themselves.	”
–Curt

Curt walks off, leaving the two men to themselves. Victor and Reniero have a discussion about whether they should take up Curt's offer, or if they should simply play it safe and vote him out. Victor states that he needs longer to think, and that he will get back to Reniero.

“	Tonight there are three targets... Alia, Curt and Reniero. I have no idea which of them I'm going to vote. Myself and Reniero can join Curt and remove Alia, who is proving to be a threat in her duo with Carlson. I could vote out Reniero, removing someone who is a physical threat... Meaning I can win my way to the final two. Finally I could vote out Curt... Who has really irritated myself and others... He's not someone that you want to remember being around at the end of this game.	”
–Victor

Carlson sits alone on the riverbed thinking through his options right before tribal council, preparing to head back to camp in order to put his plan in place.

“	This is the time where some sort of a move needs to be made. That move has to be either vote out Reniero, someone who really serves no purpose, is a challenge threat, and has it out for me... and will try to get me out any chance he gets. The other option is going after Curt, who is someone that is targeting my alliance member, and is a seriously loose cannon... If Curt stays in this game I could regret it... I give Victor the perfect person to team up with at the final four... and the perfect person for him to go to the end with... It would be like handing Victor a free pass... Then again if Reniero stays I keep the person who wants my blood all over their hands... And if he gets me out of this game I would never ever get over it...	”
–Carlson

At tribal council the final five discuss the problems they faced returning from tribal where Victor and Reniero made votes that counted for nothing, ultimately surprising themselves upon learning they were out of the loop. Victor claims he doesn't feel that his decision to target Reniero was a poor one, and that he doesn't have regrets, where as Reniero states he completely regrets his decision, and now he feels particularly vulnerable going into the vote, knowing that Carlson no longer trusts him. Alia and Curt discuss their issues, with Alia claiming that Curt has angered so many individuals, and that he has spoiled many of their experiences. Curt then comes back at Alia by claiming she gets angry when things don't go her way, which evokes a small nod off Carlson, something that Alia notices in the corner of her eye. When asked what is leading their votes tonight, several members state "personal feelings", whilst Carlson claims his is "simply strategy, as always". As the votes come in, Alia smirks upon seeing a single vote for her removed from the urn. Curt is left angered and betrayed upon realizing his four tribe members all voted him out of the game, making him the fifth member of the jury. As Curt walks up to hand his torch to Jeff, the jury are seen smirking, with Ned somewhat clapping his hands. Curt curses the final four, particularly Alia, who reacts by waving and repeating "bye bye", in an attempt to further anger her fallen nemesis. The final four return to camp, knowing they are just days away from leaving the game, where one contestant will receive enough votes to grant them the title of Sole Survivor, and the million dollars that comes with it.