It's only the second episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands and there are already a slew of people I'd like to pass the Black Spot to. I guess that's a sign that it's going to be another good season; I'm already emotionally involved. On Thursday night, my girlfriend phoned to talk about the show, which I hadn't seen yet (!), but only managed to spit out that it was "depressing" before I stopped her from going any further. Well, she was right.

I can't help but feel a little bad for the poor Morgan Tribe, who has yet to overcome any of the obstacles the Game has put in their path. None of them seem comfortable with the environmental factors - cold and rainy nights - the challenges, their leader, or each other. The only thing they've united for was badmouthing Sandra, who was chosen (strategically by some of the others?) to plunder one item from the Morgan Camp, and only took the tarp because they didn't have anything else that was useful. Oh, and following their Quixotic chairman, Andrew, in voting off Ryan, whose spirit for the Game was unmatched by anyone left.

Osten . . . I'm just stupefied. I heard he'd applied multiple times to Survivor, so it's not as if he didn't know what he was getting himself into. Shawna pulled a similar stunt in Amazon, and I was equally baffled then. I don't even know what to say; I'm just kind of embarrassed for him. Everyone knows how intense the application process is, and you've got to be pretty down to beat out the tens of thousands of other applicants, so I just feel bad for how he's using this awesome opportunity. I think that as soon as you talk about quitting you should be yanked immediately and someone else should be inserted in your place. Anyway.

The challenges were killer. Ryan Shoulders, hold your head up high on your, uh, shoulders, it didn't look like anyone on your team was cut out for that challenge, and I know how panicky it can be to lose your goggles in the ocean. Drake maintained their group performance, and their girls are really great. I felt duped by CBS's promise of "a photo finish I would have to see to believe," but I was still on the edge of my seat as Morgan blew yet another Immunity lead. I'm a little confused as to how it was possible that their directions were so utterly bound by nasty twine while Drake's unraveled with a flick of the wrist. Did they do something to tangle it up? I would have really loved the underwater challenge.

Rupert's popularity soars again as he gives us his bast Beorn impression and recovers the lost spearhead to save the day (and Shawn's rep with the tribe). The casting department for the show must have been high-fiving each other when they saw the daily footage; can a man with such a big shadow still hide in it until the right time? I think so, still seeing him in the Final Four, especially if he can keep eating as well as he has been (is it even necessary to comment on "I'm so full, I couldn't eat another bite . . . " ?).

As for my other Final Four picks . . . Darrah remains silent, except for her contribution to the general whininess of Morgan. I still say this is a good sign, and her audition video sure makes it seem like she's holding back. It doesn't look as good for Lillian, who was left out of the plans to vote off Ryan, and will probably be left out of the plans to return from their next Tribal Council. I hope it doesn't happen for a while, since she at least brings a little Game integrity to the group. Despite his own poor showing at the Reward Challenge, Rhino is still in a good position, thanks to Andrew's acceptance of his role as prime target - I mean, uh, leader.

This Thursday, it looks like time for someone at Drake to walk the plank. Jon, my blond brother, is not demonstrating a real presence at the challenges, which is okay, but the presence he brings to camp life has already been showcased as "tired" and "stupid.". An outburst like they're promising next week could get him keel-hauled by his teammates, who will be looking for an easy choice if they're casting votes. If it turns out to be Morgan, Lill will be the next for Davey Jones' Locker. I'll miss her . . . ?

You can email Gabriel at gabriel@survivorskills.com

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