Episode 11 ended with the expulsion of ex-football star Gary without his real identity ever confirmed to the rest of the Survivors. This leaves only Danni as the last surviving member of his old alliance. She and Stephenie seemed to have formed a friendship, or at least a respectful relationship when they shared the Reward Challenge of a night away from camp in a luxurious jungle mansion.
Will that be the grounds for Danni's efforts to disrupt the very strong alliance of Steph, Rafe, and Cindy? The voters on the Who will make it to the Final Four poll don't seem to think so, but the Survivor game is always full of surprises.
And what about Lydia? She was meek and willing to do an incredible amount of work to keep on everyone's good side, but now that she's feeling betrayed and is on the offensive, what's going to happen next?
Will it be Danni or Lydia who is voted out next? Or....?
Episode 12 begins with the day after the Tribal Council with Danni very much aware of her vulnerability, saying she's "about ready to have her head chopped off." Lydia wakes smelling eggs and sausages, and Judd makes some rude comments about flatulence. No one talks about the Tribal Council but instead amuse themselves with gymnastics, with Danni being the most graceful and athletic. She says of the alliance between Steph, Judd, Rafe and Cindy, "This perfect little alliance is going to have to start attacking each other. They can't all go to the final spot."
At the Reward Challenge, Jeff announces it's Auction time. Each player has $500 US dollars to spend any way they want. They can share the cost of an item with someone else. The first item is a plateful of beef jerky, which Danni buys for $20. Next comes three chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk which goes to Cindy for $40. Lydia, who has mosquito bites over most of her body, pays $140 for mosquito netting. Danni and Rafe share the cost of an $180 Philly steak sandwich and fries. Next, Jeff holds up a sealed envelope which contains something that will help the buyer in the next Immunity Challenge. Anyone who is in trouble might want to bid on this item, and sure enough, Danni does, and wins the envelope for $200. Jeff tells her not to open it yet.
Next, and to sobs, tears and joy, families and significant others arrive. Rafe's mother, Lydia's brother whom she hadn't seen for two years, Steph's boyfriend Mike, Cindy's twin sister Mindy, Judd's wife Kristen and Danni's brother line up to watch the final bidding. The reward for the winner is an overnight stay at the Xhakúm camp. Jeff reminds the group that they can share funds but only one can get the reward. Danni asks Lydia to lend her the money. The others wheel and deal, with Judd borrowing $880, enough to win. He and his wife share enthusiastic and loving hugs. Then, Jeff announces that he can invite two other Survivors to share his reward.Judd, true to his alliance, chooses Steph and Cindy. The six will return to Xhakúm, but Lydia, Rafe and Danni, without a word or a hug with their loved one, will return to the old Yaxhá camp for the night.
Judd acts as tour guide to the camp, proudly showing off his new camping skills to Kristin who is amazed by the changes in him. In shared moments, the six talk about alliances, strategies and Mindy says that sharing a bit of this jungle experience with Cindy is fantastic. Steph says it is a dream come true, and she owes Judd big time, for this is the second time he's come through for her. Judd worries about the alliance, for even as they are talking strategies, he knows that Lydia, Rafe and Danni are doing the same.
Indeed they are! Danni is busy stirring up doubts and mistrust. She tells Rafe that Gary had told her the only one to trust was Rafe. Regarding their overnight in the old camp as a homecoming, Rafe acknoweldges he needs a buddy and feels closer to Danni. he's worried about Judd, feeling he can't trust him, and needs to make back up plans. They agree to warn each other if their names come up for eviction.
Kristin and Steph talk, with Steph telling her that she plans to go to the Final Two with Judd while Cindy and Judd talk about Danni, who they consider as not a "front runner." The plan is to vote Danni out next, then Lydia. The next morning, on Day 32, the visitors participate in camp chores, with Steph's boyfriend commenting on the difficulties. When it's time to say goodbye, the six share a tearful farewell and wave as the visitors leave by boat.
The exiled three return to camp. Lydia says it's only seven more days and goes to Judd, suggesting a change of alliance. Judd says he wants to vote off the strongest players first, and Lydia relates that to Danni, who's thrilled that she's opened a "little bit of a crack" in the alliance of four.
