Smelly bodies. Shrunken bellies. Switching bodies -  Survivor Episode 4 Summary 10/7/05

By Marcus

If these survivors are nothing more than this, they are food for the mosquitoes. Perhaps as the Central American sun broils the flesh, the resulting mixture of dirt, grime, river water and sweat becomes a sweet potion for these carnivorous jungle insects. From the camera close-up of red-welted bit skin, their incessant itching and scratching makes me want to embrace myself in mosquito netting. Or better yet, only explore Tikal when these voracious critters aren't as plentiful. 

After just 9 days of this game, the reward of a Granny Smith apple brought moans of delight to Jaime and Danni. A shower washing away the stink was thoroughly relished by Gary and Bobby Jon. But we could have done without the overhead camera shots of Gary soaping and rinsing. Personally, I would have loved to join the temple picnic group of Gary, Amy, Margaret and Judd. To be perched upon that glorious ancient temple mount, overlooking the Mayan holy complex sites and watching the drifting currents of the life giving river-that would be a spiritual moment to savor. And please, don't get me started on fried chicken and savory morsels of chocolate chip cookies, especially considering that they are "dining" on roots, dry corn, minnows and ants. 

But coming down the steep temple staircase, they discovered their tribes were in total disarray. It was akin to having been at peace with nature and self. It was a swaying Caribbean beach hammock interlude, only to be plunged into a bucket of ice water. I think it is a highly symbolic usage of the temple experience where they shared food, companionship, and a general sense of "wow, we are blessed!" with nourishment of both body and soul. They were permitted to climb those stairs where only the Mayan holy priests ascended. To sit ever so briefly in the holy place. But then, they had to return to earth. Back down the stairs. Back down to the earth where everything had change. Their assumption of their reality was altered in that instant. New alliances had to be worked out while old alliances were shaky. Who would stay true with whom? Who could be trusted? Is your word really your word, or just a passing breeze? Do you remain in the temple or are you back to the jungle dirt? 

And once back in the dirt, there was a battle. Flinging short heavy wooden war clubs, the new tribes figuratively and in reality, literally had a battle. One side loses and one side wins. The winners dance around the fire, shouting out their victory and feeling the power of defeating an enemy. The losers make a sacrifice. At the tribal fire counsel, recent law school graduate Brooke lost her case, her torch, and her chance to win a million dollars. 

And this becomes the continuing question: can I trust you? 

A Tikal tidbit: like the warring tribes of Yaxha and Nakum, Tikal was in constant warfare with neighboring tribes of Calakmul, Caracol and Naranjo.

See Also:

10/21/05 "Burgers, beer, and a bully" - Survivor Guatemala Episode 6 Summary

10/14/05 "The Ax Man and the Grenadier" - Survivor Episode 5 Summary

9/30/05 "Paint, feathers, and elbows" - Survivor Summary for September 29

9/23/05 Not a food fight, but a mud fight...... Survivor Summary for September 22

9/16/05 Survivor Guatemala - Better Know As "The Jungle Ain't No Picnic"