Maryland Outback Episode 11: How Many Times

Ryan and Chris L have an awkward exchange after the vote, where it's becoming clear that Chandler and Connor are playing both sides. Chris L still thinks they're his best shot at allies though, and they discuss trying to pull in Nicole C to give them numbers. Nicole C is trying to break away from Ryan and Siona, since people are associating her with them a bit too closely. Curiously she almost voted for Phil at the last vote, which would've made it a hilarious 3-3-3 tie.

The immunity challenge is to recreate a set of symbols on a wall. Chandler takes the most trips, whilst Ryan looks confident too. Steve is hindered by having hurt himself and is ignored by Ryan when he asks for help. However. Steve still manages to come from nowhere to get the win.

Anyway, here's Wonderwall

Chandler approaches Nicole C and asks her how she feels about taking out Ryan, Siona and Phil and then going to the F3 together. Controversy also strikes when further review suggests Steve did not have the correct answer to the challenge after all, and therefore it is ruled that a new challenge will be played the following day instead. Steve is pretty unhappy about it and almost quits. That night, the survivors decide to camp outside. Chandler plays guitar, and Ryan tells funny stories. The whole group is brought closer together as a result.

The replacement immunity challenge is to stand in an 8x8 grid and keep moving until you run out of spaces. Chris L and Ryan box themselves in. Chandler and Siona also clash. Somehow, Phil wins immunity.

Siona rallies the underdogs

Ryan wants to split the vote between Chris L and Steve, whilst Steve is trying to get Siona out. Siona and Ryan confront Chandler and Connor about not being with them, with Siona making the case that she'd be a much easier opponent to win against. Siona gives a passionate speech about how they're the underdogs who can deny Steve and Chris L winning for once in their lives, and it's a plea that wins Connor over. Connor and Chandler are then forced to avoid Chris L when he comes looking for them, since they don't want to lie to his face.

At tribal council, Connor talks about how they all bonded whilst camping. Steve still contests the decision to re-do the challenge. Chris L reveals that his dog died, and that he's playing the idol on himself since he's pretty sure him or Steve are going home. The rest are not sure how to react to this, but Ryan says it won't change his vote.

People react with uncertainty as they cast their votes, with Chris L revealing he's actually playing the idol on Steve and that he'd "take a bullet for him". Heroic sacrifice or part of a masterplan? After the vote, Chris L does just that, canceling three votes for Steve and leaving it two on him and two on Connor. But when the last vote is revealed, a stunned Connor is sent home. Ryan is in awe of how he pulled that move off, and it turns out Nicole C was the culprit.

Wow...as much as I was excited to see a dominant duo broken up, that was an absolute masterstroke and I have to give credit where it's due. What will the fallout be? Is it just delaying the inevitable or can Chris L and Steve find a way back into this? We'll find out.