Survivor: David vs. Goliath episode 2: Immunity/Reward Challenge

Photo: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

A difficult Immunity/Reward Challenge that stumps the David tribe yet again. Survivor: David vs. Goliath episode 2 presents us with a unique challenge that takes ideas from seasons past and adds an interesting spin to them.

The challenge began with a one on one showdown. Bi and Alec race up a ladder with two removable rungs in order to reach a key. This is similar to the plank bridge we saw in episode 1, except this version is vertical, adding another dimension to this Survivor staple.

Alec for the Goliath tribe flies up the ladder no problem, as he’s able to comfortably balance on one rung while pulling the other rung out beneath him with ease. On the other hand, Bi took a much longer time as she had difficulty with removing her rungs.

The next part of the challenge required the teams to paddle by boat to retrieve bags of puzzle pieces. The David tribe continued to fall behind as Davie, Elizabeth, Carl and Nick allowed their boat to drift away from where they needed to be.

Then there was the epic final block puzzle that needed to be carefully balanced on wobbly tables. The Goliath tribe’s massive lead allowed them to take the time to spread out their pieces and visualize the best way to solve it. When the David tribe got to the puzzle, they were too concerned with making up time that they had virtually no progress even an hour in!

This was a long, agonizing, and brutal challenge, especially considering the scorching hot day. After one hour went by, the Goliath tribe completed their puzzle, leading to the first blowout immunity win for this season of Survivor. Watch the video below to see the Immunity/Reward Challenge again.

This proved to be a huge win for the Goliath tribe as they returned to camp with all ten of their members, plus the reward of fishing gear. Even more than nourishment, this reward will boost morale after a rough six days of heavy rain. The big question is if the Goliath tribe wins another immunity, does this guarantee a tribe swap? My guess is yes.

Top Performers: Alec continued to show his physical abilities by dominating Bi in the first part of the challenge, which will help cement his position within the tribe in the early going. Dan proved to be more than a flirt when he and Alison were able to skillfully direct the tribe throughout the puzzle.

Weakest Links: Natalie sitting out was no surprise and her attitude about it further illustrates her vulnerability within the Goliath tribe. Although Bi struggled, it’s hard to argue that anyone else on the David tribe could have done much better in her situation. Christian and Gabby’s puzzle making skills weren’t on par, but it was Lyrsa’s attitude that also made an impact. Lyrsa resisting advice from her tribe members is something that could keep her name on the chopping block moving forward.

Immunity/Reward Challenge Rankings:

Creativity: 3.5/5

Difficulty: 4/5

Entertainment Value: 3/5