Survivor Tocantins Episode 1 Recap

So begins another season of Survivor. Throughout the season I will recap episodes of Survivor Tocantins and will provide some commentary, images and videos when I can get my hands on them. Right now I am just taking images of my TV, which is pretty ghetto, but I'll figure something out better soon. Anyways, here is the recap for episode 1 of Survivor Tocantins.

The first episode begins with the two tribes riding into the Brazilian Highlands in the back of a truck. Both teams had already been created, with the red Jalapao tribe and the black Timbira tribe. The trucks come to a stop in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. It appears that was because it is. They are smack in the middle of the Brazilian Highlands. Jeff then informs the tribes that they have 60 seconds to grab as many supplies as they can out of the back of the truck. Both tribes scramble to get everything they can out of the truck and by the end of the 60 seconds the truck is stripped clean. However when Jeff gets a look at what the tribes took, he notices that Jalapao grabbed no water and no bags of food. Instead they have a bunch of heavy watermelons and what looks like huge squash. Soon they will be regretting their choices.

The tribe members are then informed that they will be going on a four hour trek to get to their camps. At that time, the temperature is already at 110 degrees and it is expected to get hotter throughout the day. Suddenly the tribes realize they have to haul the heavy supplies all the way back to camp. Those watermelons and overgrown squash look pretty silly all of a sudden.

At this point, the first twist of the game begins. Jeff informs the tribes that it is time for a vote. The tribes have to vote for two of the tribe members, one member on each tribe. Jeff leads them to believe that they are actually voting these members out of the game. From the Jalapao tribe, most of the tribe members vote for Sandy, the older woman in the game. Sandy's reaction is to get pissed off and let everyone know it.

From the Timbira tribe, most of the members vote for Sierra, the young blond model. Apparently Sierra has strep throat and has been on antibiotics. With a temperature of 102, let's say that she is not feeling all that well. Yet she takes being voted out fairly well, yet is obviously upset.

That is when Jeff lets the tribes know that he did not say they were being voted out, simply that they would not be making the trek to the camp. Instead, the two outcasts are to be helicoptered directly to their respective camps. So as the tribes begin their trek, Sandy and Sierra hop int a helicopter and arrive at their camps a few hours ahead of time.

Once they reach camp, the find a clue that informs them that they have a choice to either spend the time working around camp and on their shelter, or they can use to the time to follow a clue for the hidden immunity idol. Sandy decides to go for the hidden immunity idol, though it is quickly apparent that she is somewhat lacking in brain power and it highly unlikely to solve the simple riddle. She certainly does not find the idol on her first attempt. When the Jalapao tribe finally makes it to camp, they are pissed off because Sandy did nothing around the camp or on the shelter.

Sierra also receives a clue, but instead of looking for the idol, she decides to work around camp and build a shelter. Considering she is sick and was just voted "off" of the tribe, this is a pretty gutsy decision on her part. So she starts gathering wood and actually completes a fair sized shelter by the time the tribe makes it to camp, well after dark. The tribe seems to be fairly pleased by her efforts, though Sierra quickly starts trying to make excuses and the tribe does not seem to respond well to it. So her efforts may have helped, but she is still on thin ice.

After a little character introduction and some naked Tyson video, the contestants head out for their first immunity challenge. The reward for victory, as usual, is flint to make fire. The basics of the challenge is that 6 of the tribes people race over some sand hills and into the water where they find wooden puzzle piece planks connected to a raft. Once all of the members make it to the raft, they pull the raft back to the shore, unwrap the pieces, and carry them back to a platform where two of the members are waiting. The two members have to them build a series of steps using the planks to climb the platform. The planks have various numbers of notches on them, so can only be attached to the platform in a certain way. At the top of the platform is another puzzle. It is a maze where two members have to use a piece of rope to move a wooden piece through a fairly complex maze. When they reach the end of the maze, their tribal flag goes up and they win.

The challenge starts fairly even, with both teams getting to the raft at about the same time and dragging the raft back close together. Carolina seems to be the slowest out of all of the members participating in this part of the challenge, as she is lagging behind in all parts. However the red Jalapao tribe is still able to get ahead and take a sizable lead building their platform. They reach the top and begin on the maze while the black Timbira tribe is still working on the platform. However Jalapao has major problems with the maze and Timbira comes roaring back to win the challenge.

So Timbira gets fire and Jalapao gets a date with tribal council. At this point, it seems likely that Sandy would get voted out. Yet once they get back to camp, Carolina starts nagging some of the tribe and a number of members start whispering in the background that maybe Sandy is not so bad (even though she is absolutely insane). Yet it seems like the tribe is undecided at that time.

Jeff meets the tribe at the very first tribal council. From the discussion at the council, it certainly seems as though Sandy is getting booted out, as members express disappointment at her prior actions and lack of help at camp. Throughout the council, Sandy makes a continuous barrage of strange faces. Her face contorts in the weirdest manner, making me quite sure that she is quite literally crazy! Jeff, in a very humorous moment, asks her "Sandy, are you a little bit crazy" and she agrees and makes some more horrible faces for the camera. It is funny stuff, but a bit unsettling.

Jeff also talks to Carolina, who admits that she was a little bossy and whiny and states that she needs to check herself to stop from making these comments. After this, the voting begins. The very first vote is for Sandy, however it is Carolina's vote. From there on out, every single vote is for Carolina. Unanimously, Carolina Eastwood is the first person voted out of Survivor Tocantins.

And so goes the first episode of Survivor Tocantins!

Here is a video of Carolina and her thoughts on what happened in this episode:

Meet the Ladies of Survivor Tocantins!

Guys, it is your turn! Are you ready to meet the girls from Survivor Tocantins? Here are the eight Survivor Tocantins ladies with a picture and quick bio:

Carolina Eastwood is a 26 year old bartender from West Hollywood, California. Born in Panama, Carolina lived the first six years of her life in poverty until her father, an Army soldier, moved the family to the US so they could have an opportunity for a better life. While Carolina Eastwood lived through some difficult times, she carries with her the knowledge that those trying times were a learning experience. This gives Carolina a strong, positive outlook on life.





Sierra Reed is not your stereotypical model. This 23 years old model and fashion student from Los Angeles, California has not lived a luxurious and pampered life. Sierra moved to Taiwan at young age and lived in conditions with bugs, grime and no running water, surviving conditions that would make most people head for the closest Hilton. She is a self proclaimed adventure junkie and loves to experience new things. Sierra Reed believes that her past experiences will make her a strong contender in Survivor.




Candace Smith is a 31 year old attorney from Dayton, Ohio. Candace grew up as a tomboy and talented athlete, competing in basketball, soccer and track. Yet Candace grew out of her tomboy phase and is a former Miss Ohio USA. Candace has the beauty, brains and the athleticism to be a serious threat in this season of Survivor. Candace Smith attended the University of Dayton and graduated from Northwestern University School of Law. She worked for a short time as a commercial real estate attorney prior to shifting her career to pursue modeling, acting and opening up her own consulting firm.



Sydney Wheeler is a model from Raleigh, North Carolina. 24 years of age, Sydney recently moved from North Carolina to the west coast where she is pursuing modeling and interior design. She plans on using her good looks and her winning personality to outlast the other contestants on this season of Survivor. While others may just see a pretty face, Sydney Wheeler warns "Don't misjudge me, I'm going to win!" Consider yourself warned, contestants.





Erinn Lobdell is a 26 years old hairstylist and makeup artist from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Erinn recently completed training for a marathon and works out every day to stay in top physical shape. With this incredible athleticism, Erinn is sure to be ready for the rigors of competing in Survivor challenges. Erinn Lobdell is confident in her abilities to excel in this unique and difficult game.






Tamara Johnson-George, better known as Taj, is a 37 year old pop star from Nashville, Tennessee. Taj has handled many aspirations successfully throughout her life and feels like she can also handle Survivor. A Grammy-nominated singer, successful author, wife of an NFL Pro and mother of two boys, Taj believes she has the skills to be a strong competitor. Taj overcame physical and mental abuse in her life and states "I am literally, truly a survivor, who has survived more things than you can ever imagine."




Debra Beebee, who goes by "Debbie" is a 46 year old middle school principle from Auburn, Alabama. A self-described people person, Debra is a married mom from Auburn, Alabama who believes that her natural leadership abilities and tactful problem-solving skills will contribute to her success as a castaway on SURVIVOR. Debra, also known as "Bubbles," feels that her enthusiastic and energetic personality, in addition to her take-charge attitude, will erase any doubts about her ability to succeed in this game.




Sandy Burgin is a 53 year old bus driver from Louisville. A country girl through and through, Sandy Burgin grew up and still lives in Kentucky, where she takes pride in being the state champion of the School Bus Rodeo. A night owl by occupation, Sandy works the graveyard shift transporting construction workers to their work sites. She likes to unwind by crocheting or listening to country, oldies or some good old fashioned rock and roll. Her penchant for reading "do it yourself" magazines in addition to her fishing skills just might make her a valuable member of her tribe.