The 18 contestants arrive in Nicaragua to begin competing for a $1 million prize; castaways Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano return.
One castaway's resentment toward his tribe grows stronger when he is denied a simple pleasure, and, hungry for victory, the tribes face off in a grueling challenge that is a fight to the finish.
One castaway's kind gesture causes others to take notice and question his loyalty to the tribe, while Francesca settles into solitary life on Redemption Island and speculates who will join her next.
Two unlikely castaways unite over their shared frustration with their tribe members while another castaway hides clues to keep their tribe from searching for the idol.
Tree mail leaves one tribe member with a tough emotional decision, and one castaway exhausts all efforts to ensure their safety in the game.