Recap: Episode 15

Buckle Up: Flight Attendant Todd is Sole Survivor

After surviving 39 days of intense heat, huge personalities, two Hidden Immunity Idols and countless votes, Todd Herzog, the 22-year-old flight attendant from Pleasant Grove, Utah, is voted the winner of SURVIVOR: CHINA.

Todd, who was once the founder of his high school Survivor Club and was voted "Most likely to appear on SURVIVOR,” has his dream come true as he proves worthy of the title of Sole Survivor. Controlling the game from its onset with his strategic moves and unparalleled passion for the game, Todd convinces the majority of the Jury to vote for him and is awarded the million-dollar prize!

Final Four

After Tribal Council, the final four celebrates the departure of Peih-Gee and congratulates each other for staying true to their alliance. “I thought I would be out in sixteenth place. And here I am guaranteed at least a one in four chance at winning,” explains an excited Courtney. The final four savors the moment with a group hug and soon hunker down for the night.

Tree Mail

On day 37, the tribe awakes after yet another uncomfortable night’s sleep in their makeshift hut made of uneven bamboo. Amanda reads Tree Mail, notifying the tribe of an upcoming Reward Challenge. Her desire to win is strong: “This Reward is probably the most important one we have had thus far because we know we have Immunity coming up and we need energy!”

Reward Challenge

The Final Four arrive at the Challenge, where Jeff Probst explains the rules. For this Challenge, they must race to construct a Survivor version of The Great Wall of China. First, they will start on top of the wall and race down a ladder. Next, they must race to assemble and cross a puzzle bridge. Once across, they will use a traditional Chinese Yoke to stack their puzzle blocks and carry them back through the course up the ladder. Finally, using the puzzle blocks, they must complete their section of the wall by fitting the properly shaped pieces in the correct slots. First person to successfully complete their puzzle wall wins Reward--an advantage for the upcoming Immunity Challenge in the form of fuel, consisting of pizza, beer, soda and brownies.

The Challenge begins as the Survivors race down their ladders and head to the puzzle bridge. Todd arrives first and begins to build his bridge while Amanda trails just behind. Courtney and Denise finally arrive and begin to construct their bridges as well, but struggle to solve the puzzle. Amanda finishes first, begins to gather her puzzle bricks in her yoke and transports them back to the wall. Todd is close behind. As Amanda begins to reconstruct her wall, Todd catches up. They both frantically attempt to place the bricks in their proper place as Amanda takes a slight lead and never relinquishes it. Amanda finishes first and wins Reward. Jeff Probst then allows Amanda to select one or two other people to join her on the Reward. Amanda decides just to bring Todd.