'Survivor: South Pacific' Recap: Finale

Sophie Clarke now has one million reasons to smile as the newest winner of Survivor. The medical student outplayed, outwitted and outlasted her competitors, including this season’s returning players, Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Ozzy Lusth.

After weeks of watching Ozzy dominate in competitions, it seemed the veteran was destined for the finale. He won the last Redemption Island duel against Brandon, earning his place in the final five. Ozzy then emerged victorious in his first competition back in the game. Much to the disappointment of hardcore fans though, Sophie defeated him in the final immunity challenge.

Ozzy clung to the hope that Coach would make good on his promise to bring Ozzy to the finals in an epic warrior showdown, but Coach decided to stick with his original alliance. As a result, Ozzy became the last member of the jury, falling short in his third attempt for a Survivor title. This left Coach, Albert and Clarke to battle it out for the grand prize.

As Ozzy stated at the final tribal council, the jury was not thrilled with the behavior of any of the finalists. Nor did any jury member mince words when given the opportunity to speak. Coach was targeted for all the deals he went back on; Albert attacked for his cowardly episode with Brandon; Sophie lectured for being a less than sociable person. Only Edna defended them, saying they did what they had to to get to the end and deceit was to be expected since it’s part of the game, and that’s what everyone had signed up for.

It looked like it was anyone’s game after all hurt feelings and resentments were out in the open, but the vote ultimately came down to Coach and Sophie. However, the third time wasn’t the charm for Coach either as the novice won the grand prize.