Episode 9 ended with the first member of the jury being voted out at Tribal Council. Earlier, Bobby-Jon told Stephenie he'd be happy to make it to the jury, and he got his wish, although it was a huge surprise to him.
The tribe had planned to vote Gary out as the biggest threat due to his competitive nature and physical agility. However, Gary had other plans and when he astonished everyone at Tribal Council by producing the Hidden Idol and automatically gaining immunity at that Tribal Council, he threw the voting plans into confusion. However, there must have been a Plan B, since six people voted for Bobby-Jon. Gary voted to oust Cindy and Bobby-Jon and Danni , recognizing a leader in the opposition, voted for Steph.
The old Yaxhá tribe is represented only by Gary and Danni now. Will they accept defeat and become one with the new Xhakúm tribe, or will they continue to nurse old grudges? In this episode, more harsh words, disappointment, hard decisions and stress prevail.
Episode 10 begins with the Survivors returning from the Tribal Council after voting off bobby-Jon. They discuss Gary's fortuitous finding of the hidden idol, with everyone but Jamie congratulating him, and from there, the discussion moves to his vote for Cindy. Jamie is unhappy with it and starts an argument with Gary who is trying to go to sleep. Jamie still frets about the voting and accuses Gary of lying. Judd tries to calm Jamie but thinks Jamie is "psychologically losing it."
Day 25 brings the Reward Challenge. There will be four teams of two attached to a long rope. Each team must race through mud, clamber through an obstacle course to retrieve pots of corn which they will take back over the same route to fill a waiting pot. The first set of teams to fill their pot will win the reward: a helicopter ride to a mansion where they'll enjoy showers, a swimming pool, laundry and abundant food. They'll have breakfast with fresh coffee after a good night's sleep. Buoyed by the promise, the players draw for the four teams. Jamie and Rafe will compete with Lydia and Cindy against Judd and Gary with StephSteph and Danni.
Jamie and Rafe do well, but Lydia has a very difficult time getting through the mud and slows the team down. They can't make up the time and the foursome of Judd, Gary, Steph and Danni win the Reward Challenge. Covered in mud from head to toe, they climb aboard a helicopter and fly over the jungle to a thatched-roof mansion where they are greeted by the owner, Luis. Danni and Steph hit it off immediately are as they eat a huge spread of assorted hors d'oeuvres and champagne, the four relax and bond. They are evenly matched: two each from the old tribes.
After showering off their mud in an outdoor shower, the swim in the pool. Judd goes in naked. Still snacking while dressed in fresh white robes, Gary raises the question of allegiances. Knowing he has to do waht he can to help his position, Gary tries to "make ties" with the others, saying he wants to take the strongest four to the finals. He means the best players, those who have worked the hardest and deserve to win. Steph agrees that it's a good plan, but won't commit herself to any action.
Back in camp, Lydia apologizes profusely to the others on her team for her inability to get through the mud. Rafe reassures her, but when they talk about the food at the reward, Rafe admits he is sad about missing that. Jamie talks to Rafe and suggest that they plus Judd should be the Final Three. He wants Rafe to give him his word "as a man" but Rafe doesn't feel comfortable with that and says so. Jamie isn't happy with Rafe's response and begs him not to "sucker him."
In the mansion, the four settle down for the night, three in a bed. Judd says he's enjoyed the bonding experience and thinks highly of Gary, but he still plans to get rid of the threats: Gary and Danni. In the morning, revel in six different flavors of coffee provided by the sponsor. Luis arrives with a present, videos from home and the four become quite emotional as they watch their families and loved ones. Gary calls himself an "emotional wreck" watching his children and wife, but Danni laughs when she sees her dogs. When Gary says this was the best possible reward prize, Steph says he'll be home in two weeks. Is this a hint about a change in game plan?
The four return to camp with packets of coffee for Cindy who is thrilled to get them. Cindy is thrilled, but Jamie is upset. Judd is concerned about him and lies when he tells him that there was absolutely no talk of alliance. Gary isn't sure that he's achieved anything with his talk of the day before.
