Survivor: Edge of Extinction episode 12: Two classic challenges return!

Yesterday’s episode of Survivor: Edge of Extinction brought back a pair of trademark challenges that we haven’t seen in nearly ten years.

True Survivor fans were definitely smiling when Jeff was explaining both challenges from yesterday’s episode. The Reward and the Immunity are linked with some of the greatest seasons, as well as memorable moments, so it’s nice to see them back! Let’s get right to it.

Reward Challenge

This family visit Reward Challenge consisted of each castaway scooping up water from the ocean with a bucket, and then launching it to their loved one. With the water they were able to catch, the loved one will then dump their bucket into a container on a see-saw.

Once there’s enough water, the container will swing down lifting a flag. The first pair to raise their flag wins the reward. Feel free to rewatch this challenge below.

As always, seeing their family members got every castaway emotional. Even the more serious players in Gavin, Victoria, and Aurora could not contain themselves. It was Gavin’s story that stole the show, and I’m happy we finally got to hear how he rearranged his wedding day to make it to Fiji. That’s a sign of a true Survivor superfan!

As the challenge began, Devens and his wife were a joy to watch, as Rick got more water on Becca than in the bucket. Aurora, Julie, and Victoria were all so gassed from going back and forth that they weren’t really in it.

It turned out to be a three-way race between Ron, Gavin, and Lauren. Eventually, Ron and his husband pulled out the win, forcing him to make a difficult and possibly fatal strategic decision. He decided to pick Julie and Gavin to join him for fried chicken and apple pie back at camp.

Reward Challenge Rankings:

Creativity: 1/5

Difficulty: 2.5/5

Entertainment Value: 3/5

Immunity Challenge:

From one classic challenge to another, this time with deservedly higher stakes. The castaways will stand on painfully narrow footholds while trying to keep themselves pinned between two walls without falling. The last person standing wins Individual Immunity. We haven’t seen this iconic challenge since Redemption Island. Take another look below.

After jokingly attempting to convince the others to step down, Rick dropped and couldn’t take it anymore. This wasn’t a Devens type of challenge. Not too long after, Ron dropped.

After 33 minutes, Victoria stepped down out of nowhere. Then in visible pain, Julie announced that she was done, and went straight to her knees. A great little scene was watching Ron going over to help Julie out, and then just carrying her to the benches.

Moments later, Aurora sarcastically remarked that “it’s been fun” and then stepped down, leaving Gavin and Lauren to fight it out. The entire time I was just hoping she wouldn’t faint again! After 50 minutes of painful endurance, Lauren fell, giving Gavin his second Immunity Necklace.

Aurora and Rick are still the two biggest physical threats left in my opinion, but these challenges showed how they’re not too far ahead of the competition. Gavin has had his moments and is always up there in physical challenges. Lauren continues to do well when balance and endurance plays a key role.

Immunity Challenge Rankings:

Creativity: 1/5

Difficulty: 5/5

Entertainment Value: 3/5