Editor's Note: Chart the progress of Eastern Michigan University junior Erik Reichenbach on "Survivor Micronesia" each week at the "Reich-O-Meter." Reichenbach is a member of the revised Malakal tribe (a mix of Survivor" fans and favorites) who are squaring off against the Airia Tribe, also a fusion of fans and favorites. The show usually airs at 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS, but will again be broadcast at 8 p.m. Wednesday this week due to the NCAA Tournament.
Erik Riechenbach has arrived. Even if it looks like he may soon be leaving "Survivor."
The Eastern Michigan University junior, a contestant on "Survivor Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites", was honored with episode seven being named after him.
"Like A Wide-Eyed Kid in a Candy Store", the name of the episode, was how favorite and tribe mate Ozzy Lusth described Erik after their Malakal tribe won the reward challenge and were treated to a meal and an island spa experience.
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WE WON!: Erik Reichenbach celebrates with
teammate Ozzy Lusth (above, right) after his Malakal
tribe was the first to solve the puzzle during the
reward challenge on "Survivor Micronesia: Fans vs.
Favorites." It was the first reward the EMU junior had
been a part of during his 21 days on the island. The
tribe enjoyed an island spa experience. Photo courtesy of
CBS.com
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During the episode, Ozzy mentored Erik and showed him how to climb a tree and knock down coconuts — a skill that Ozzy made famous in "Survivor: Cook Islands."
From day one, it's obvious Erik measures Ozzy as the player of all players on "Survivor."
That fact wasn't lost on tribe mate Cirie Fields and other females in the Malakal tribe.
Amused at the male bonding, Cirie cracked, "It's like the lion king and his cub. Every time Erik says 'Ozzy,' there's stars in his eyes. If Ozzy were to propose marriage right now, it's a done deal."
Cirie, who has masterminded two surprise votes thus far, also cast the seed of doubt about Ozzy's intentions for fellow favorites, saying Ozzy is only out for himself. Later in the episode, even Amanda Kimmel, who has struck up romantic sparks with Ozzy, seemed to agree with Cirie.
In another bit of drama, fan Kathy Sleckman, a member of the Airia tribe, had a mental meltdown in front of her tribe mates and asked to be allowed to go home. Host Jeff Probst granted her wish and sent her packing.
During the immunity challenge, contestants traversed an obstacle course on the water; hooked a cable on a giant puzzle piece; and had their teammates haul them in — boogey-board style — by cranking a giant wrench to pull the teammate to shore.
Ozzy, a strong swimmer, hauled in four of the puzzle pieces. When he needed a break, he sent Erik out to retrieve one of the five pieces. Despite being the first to get their puzzle pieces to shore, the Malakal tribe lost their third consecutive immunity challenge when the Airia tribe solved the puzzle first.
Back at camp, most of the female tribe members told Ozzy it was time to vote Erik off. However, Ozzy said it was better to send the other remaining fan — Tracy Hughes-Wolf — home first.
Tracy, again knowing she was on the chopping block, concocted a scheme with favorite Ami Cusack, who has either been showing genuine sympathy for the fans or is the scheming conduit for letting the favorites know what's on the fans' minds. The two decided they would say they were voting for Erik, and get Cirie and Amanda to join them. In reality, Tracy, Ami and Erik would cast their votes for Ozzy and remove the biggest individual threat from the game.
It appeared the plan would work, but Ozzy made a statement during Tribal Council that appeared to turn the fellow favorites back in his corner. Ozzy said the tribe can get rid of him or "go with me all the way and be loyal like I've been."
In the end, all players, even Erik, voted Tracy out.
Erik survived for another day but, if this week's episode preview is any indication, Erik may be in for a world of hurt. It appears he injures himself during one of the challenges.
