We finally get to find out what the second half of that Tribal Council was. Since it has been two weeks, I had forgotten all about the cliffhanger. It turned out to just be a reward challenge, but the reward was probably the best of the season: a trip to Shaolin temple to see a Kung Fu demonstration, eat, and spend the night.

Peih-Gee won. I can’t decide whether I think her heritage gave her an unfair advantage, since the questions were all about Chinese culture. I guess that is no more unfair than James’ advantage in challenges that require strength. She decided to take Erik and Denise with her. I am SO glad Denise got to go; she has been the more into the cultural experience than any of the other contestants. I wonder if Peih-Gee knew ahead of time that she has been studying Karate. She started when she was 32 and is about to test for her Black Belt. I don’t know about you guys, but I think that is super cool and inspirational that she decided to take it up as an adult.

Do I even need to say that the temple is beautiful and the monks’ demonstration looked really cool? Afterwards, they got to practice with some kids, and the monks even asked Denise to do a little demonstration. They got to kind of camp out in a little room that was all set up for them with sleeping mats. Is it just me, or would you guys have a hard time sleeping in a room with all those life-sized, lifelike statues? Kinda creepy.

Meanwhile, back at camp, the four remaining contestants all said that they were glad it was just them and talked about being in the final four together. Later on, however, Amanda interviewed that she doesn’t really want to go to final four with any of those people and is looking to shake the game up. She’s been very under the radar, but every time I see more from her I like her better and better. I really admired that she decided to take part in the challenge instead of eating cheeseburgers when she had the option, even though it would have been fair for her to assume she was safe from the vote.

After those who traveled to Shaolin returned to camp, Todd, shirtless in his Michael J. Fox, Back to the Future-era vest (all that is missing is a red Punky Brewster bandanna and some high-tops) expressed disdain for Peih-Gee’s attempts to win Denise over. I kind of see where he’s coming from, but what else is she supposed to do in her position? He’s gonna have to learn to be nice to her if she keeps winning challenges. Amanda told Courtney she wants to get rid of James while he doesn’t expect it.

The Immunity Challenge was throwing stars. Is that really a good idea for a bunch of malnourished people who dislike each other? Todd scored first with what looks like a shot directly on the target’s crotch; they showed the shot from the side so it wouldn’t be quite so obvious. Courtney did a surprisingly good job. James did a not-surprisingly good job. Erik ended up winning in the tie-breaker round.

Back at camp, Amanda lobbied Todd to get rid of James. The key to that plan is to make James feel secure enough not to play the hidden Immunity Idol. Peih-Gee almost blew it by proposing the same plan to Amanda. The problem, of course, was that if James caught wind of any of the discussion he would play one of the idols. Why not, when he’s got two?

In the post-vote interrogation, Denise slipped a bit talking about trust and made James suspicious, but he did not play an Idol, and he went home. I am not sure I really think Peih-Gee is more deserving than James, but that sure made for an exciting Tribal Council.

Next week: Amanda makes her move, and Denise is the swing vote.

In the exit interview, James was pretty gracious about being voted off. I like it when people acknowledge that it is, in fact, a game.

* * *

Amy Kane spends as much quality time with her television as possible, when she's not busy at her day job as a cube dweller.

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