I Need Redemption

 is the debut episode of Survivor: South Pacific.

Challenges
Reward Challenge: Thrilogy Coach and Ozzy would represent their tribes by climbing a 12-foot (3.7 m) pole to retrieve a wooden turtle. They would then have to dig themselves under a log. Finally, they would solve a Tower of Hanoi puzzle with the turtle as the top piece to win the challenge. Reward: A basket of taro and a piece of flint Winner: Ozzy (for Savaii)

Immunity Challenge: Coconut Conundrum The tribes would race through an obstacle course of zigzagging pathways, through web of strung up coconuts, and over a 10-foot (3.0 m) wall. One tribe member would then dig up a machete. They would use the machete to cut five ropes which would release a bin of coconuts. Three tribe members would then shoot the coconuts through a hoop into a net. When enough coconuts were shot into the net, the net would raise a flag. The first tribe to raise their flag would win. Additional Stipulation: If Upolu wins, they would get their flint. Winner: Upolu

Day 1
Riding a helicopter, two popular Survivor players Coach Wade and Ozzy Lusth were overlooking the pristine waters of the South Pacific, seeking redemption. Below them are sixteen new contestants (divided into two separate tribes, the blue Upolu and the red Savaii), paddling to Redemption Island Arena to meet host Jeff Probst.

Before their first order of business, Jeff told the tribes that their roster was still incomplete, because they will be joined by two returning players. Anxious of who are the castaways might be, Edna whispered to Brandon, "I just hope it’s not Russell." Unknown to her, she was actually talking to Russell's nephew. In a confessional, Brandon commented: "I will never, ever tell them my last name.” To not blow his cover, Brandon just said: "Oh my goodness, that would suck."

As the chopper landed, Coach and Ozzy emerged. Jeff asked Christine about her take on Coach and Ozzy's return. Christine bluntly replied: "They are temporary players,” receiving mixed facial expressions from the other castaways. To determine their tribe designations, Jeff handed Coach and Ozzy a bowl containing two eggs with tribe-colored paint inside. After crushing the eggs, Coach was placed at the Upolu tribe, while Ozzy joined Savaii. As Ozzy approached the Savaii tribe, the red team gave one of Survivor''s most athletic contestants a warm group hug. On the other hand, as Coach approached Upolu, most of the members were unhappy, with Christine visibly upset. Coach said: "I’m not feeling a good vibe from the blue tribe.” Jeff then announced that Redemption Island is back, and further surprised them by subjecting Coach and Ozzy in a Reward Challenge. Their tribemates, on the other hand would sit out at the bleachers.

As the challenge went on, Ozzy established a healthy sized lead, with Coach trailing with a few seconds. At the puzzle part of the challenge, both players struggled to solve it. As a solution, Ozzy solicited help from his tribemates, with Jim helping out first. Upolu soon followed, with Stacey calling the shots for Coach. While Coach continued to struggle, Ozzy was able to solve the puzzle first, winning reward for Savaii. As Ozzy returned to his tribe, he acknowledged them for being a big help at the challenge. Ozzy stated: "There’s no way I could have done that without them.” On the other hand, the disappointed Upolu tribe walked to their camp without saying anything to Coach, except Edna, who comforted him after the loss.

Upon reaching camp, the Savaii camp congratulated Ozzy for winning the first challenge. In return, Ozzy stated that they are "The best tribe ever." While introducing themselves, Ozzy took notice of Semhar. Learning that Semhar is a spoken word artist, Semhar gave them a sample of her abilities. In a confessional, Semhar explained: "I think it’s important that when people challenge you, that you step up to that, so they know that they can trust you.” To get to know one another, Savaii decided to bathe at the ocean. While the other tribemates had no problems stripping to their underwear, Cochran was visibly uncomfortable. He said, "It’s just going to make me look more like a pathetic twerp, than I already do with my clothes on.” After a little motivation from Elyse, Cochran eventually joined the fun.

At the Upolu camp, after Coach apologized to his tribemates about his failure at the challenge, the new castaways then introduced themselves. Sophie revealed that she finished economics and also speaks Russian. Coach then tried to converse with her in Russian. Unimpressed by his Russian, Sophie confided in a confessional: "Coach has been out here twice before and he knows some things.” While the others were busy constructing shelter, Christine was using her survivor instincts looking for a Hidden Immunity Idol, which was potentially hidden at camp. Catching her in the act, Albert sent this information to her tribemates. Coach then declared, "Christine is target number one.”

Back at Savaii camp, Jim introduced himself as a teacher, because he felt that divulging he was a poker player and owner of two medical marijuana dispenseries (his real occupation) will not be a good sell to a Jury. Mark (who wanted to be nicknamed "Papa Bear") revealed to the tribe that he is gay. After their beach talk, Savaii decided to set up their camp and create fire. Dawn was relieved that they will finally start building their shelter before the night comes. On the contrary, Ozzy had no problems sleeping in the sand.

Back at Upolu, Coach, while Mikayla and Brandon were installing the roof of the shelter, Coach brought up Brandon's "Loco" tattoo on his neck ("loco" means "crazy" in Spanish). Brandon explained his misdeeds, such as bullying, but he stated that he was a changed man. Later, when Coach later confessed to Brandon that Mikayla (who is at the roof placing fronds) is pretty, Brandon felt uncomfortable. Avoiding temptation, Brandon said: "I don’t feel comfortable around Mikayla. It’s just the way that she carries herself.”

Day 3
With Semhar losing the challenge for them Savaii goes to Tribal Council. But Ozzy likes Semhar and decides that she should stay so he tries to convince everyone to vote off John because of his poor physical ability. When Cochran learns that he is a target, he overreacts and says that "Jeff will say the tribe has spoken, my torch will be snuffed, I'll be sent to Redemption Island like an idiot, and that will be my sad Survivor story". But the plan doesn't work as even Ozzy decides to vote for Semhar and she voted off into Redemption Island.

Redemption Island Duel
There was no Redemption Island duel in this episode.

Trivia

 * This is the first time that a main game challenge was held in Redemption Island.
 * This episode featured the first Reward Challenge (excluding combined reward/immunity challenges) since This is Going to Hurt, back from Survivor: Nicaragua.
 * This episode aired exactly one year after Survivor: Nicaragua's debut episode, Young At Heart.
 * This is the first time a reward challenge was made for two specific people.
 * This debut episode was 90 minutes long.
 * Jeff probst claimed that the Tower of Hanoi puzzle could have been a challenge for a later portion of the game.

Links

 * CBS episode summary