Episode 8 had the Nakúm tribe awakening to the big merger surprise and tempers flaring as some didn't take well to their new status. The newly created tribe learned that an Immunity idol is hidden in the Guatemalan jungle, and the hunt began, but given the choice to feast or challenge, several castaways chose to enjoy a large feast in front of the others instead of competing for Immunity. This proved to be less than a smart move as the ones who competed in the Immunity Challenge thought those who didn't were less deserving to stay in the game.
All is not well with the newly merged and newly named Xhakúm tribe. Even with the lines in the sand drawn between the alliances, it was Brandon , one of the original members of the male alliance who was voted out in Episode 8. What happens in Episode 9?
It begins with a recap of Episdoe 8 and the return to camp following the Tribal Council. Jamie frets about Bobby-Jon saying he has no class, saying the comments hurt his feeling and broke his heart. Bobby-Jon defends himself and after talking it out, the two shake hands as the others watch. Rafe, who has become the philospher of the group, notes that Jamie had better learn from this and change or he will change the game.
Day 22 dawns with Lydia hard at work, grinding corn meal for breakfast. She's made a place for herself as the nurturer. Judd doesn't care to eat, and while they have their breakfast, Danni, Gary and Bobby-Jon acknowledge that they are the most vulnerable. Dannie and Gary set out to find the hidden idol with the clue that it is visilbe but hard to find.
Gary talks about a football game in which his team came from behind to win in the last few minutes of the game and resolves never to give up.
At the Reward Challenge, host Jefft Probst shows the tribe an ancient weapon called an Atlatl the Maya used to sling arrows. The reward is food, with each tribal member eating a meal depending on his or her placement in the challenge. Each tribe member will have one chance to cast an arrow at a target within concentric circles. The one whose arrow lands closest to the target will win first prize, a steak and lobster dinner. The one farthest from the target will also eat, but nothing like the first place winner. As an added bonus, the winner will get an extra clue about the location of the hidden idol.
Judd goes first, and tosses his arrow very close to the traget. It is his mark to beat, as each of the others take their turn. None can beat Judd's arrow although they shuffle position in the food lineup according to the toss. When it is over, Lydia is in last place, and Jamie asks if he can trade places with her as a "penance" for his bad behavior of the day before. Jeff agrees, but reminds him he gets the least desirable meal.
When they sit down to eat, Judd sits at a separate table. The others sit according to their game status. When the steak and lobster and beer comes out, everybody drools. Next comes chicken and vegetables for Cindy spaghetti, a hamburger, a slice of pizza for Gary, a hamd and cheese sandwich for Rafe, a fish for Lydia, who smiles and jokes about it, and last, ramon nuts and a glass of boiled lake water for Jamie.
Before they eat, Jeff tells Judd he can invite two to bring their meals and join him, sharing whatever he chooses to share, including an open bar and dessert. He selects Bobby-Jon and Stephenie, rewarding them for receiving him with open arms. The others look on wistfully, and are told they cannot share their food.
While Judd and his two guests eat and drink well, and to excess, the others are miserable. Gary can't take his eyes off the other table and complains about the two hours spent watching Judd eat and drink. Judd puffs on a huge cigar and later staggers drunkenly back to camp. He and Bobby-Jon try to bring in a huge log, but stumble about with Judd falling down drunk.
The next morning, Day 23, the tribal mates are disgusted that Judd vomited within the shelter, but as the day wears on, Judd and Stephenie move away from the others. Judd, who says he can't keep a secret, tells her the clues for the hidden idol. It is not on the ground, not is it concealed. When Judd goes off, Steph wonders if he's telling the truth, but he certainly isn't when he tells the others that the idol is hidden on the ground. Judd notes that he has no problem lying.
Day 24 has Rafe and Jamie talking privately about alliances. Rafe says that Jamie is paranoid and doesn't trust him, but he outwardly agrees to what Jamie has to say. Jamie next seeks out Gary and as they talk, Gary tells him that he will vote as Jamie does, saying he will vote with him. Jamie goes to the others and tells them that Gary is going to vote him out. Lydia comforts Jamie and tells him not to worry. Steph admits that she doesn't believe any of it. By her face and body language, she's already determined who she's going to vote for at the next Tribal Council.
