Outback Jack - Episode 3

As this week's episode begins, the remaining contestants are on their way to the next campsite. Accompanied by Jack and piloting a fleet of jeeps called "bullcatchers" (at least those few girls who can drive a manual transmission), the girls splash across rivers and bounce over the rough terrain. The ride is wild, and several of the girls seem to be treating the passage like an Outback rollercoaster. Marissa tries to use this as an opportunity to impress Jack, and hits a tree in the process.

Soon, the caravan comes across a humongous olive python in the road. Jack wastes no chance to educate the girls on the local wildlife. The poor (but scary) snake is dehydrated and injured, but the girls still recoil when Jack places it over their shoulders. Despite its gentle nature, none of the ladies is willing to let the snake ride in their jeep to the wildlife sanctuary. (video)

The caravan continues on to the animal sanctuary run by Jack's friends. They take the snake off of Jack's hands, but not before his way with the wildlife is noticed by the ladies. "There's something about Jack and animals," Mary states. "I think I'm going to have to put on my leopard g-string just to get his attention."

The girls get to pet a blue-tongue lizard, with Cortney and Adrienne showing the most nerve--until Adrienne gets peed on by the frightened animal. Speaking of frightened animals, the girls bristle when Jack wanders off...and host JD Roberto wanders in. He tells the girls that the next elimination won't be up to Jack. Instead, the six girls will have to vote out one of their own. "I can't believe this," Marissa whines. "I'm so screwed." (video)

After JD swears the girls to silence on the matter, the catfighting starts. Most of the girls admit that Marissa is the obvious target, but she's determined not to go down without a fight. Mary suggests that the girls sit down and express what they don't like about each other. Luckily for them, none of the girls go for the idea.

When Jack returns to the group, they all complete the journey to their newest camp. The ladies are filthy from their drive, but the amenities at their new jungle camp don't impress. Jack checks the perimeter for wild animals, while the contestants sit down and get fierce on their own. Adrienne mentions that she doesn't like fake people, and Marissa takes offense. She challenges Adrienne for being rude, but the girls seem to side with Adrienne. "This is throwing the biggest boomerang into our midst," Natalie confesses. (video)

The next day, Jack leads the girls to a natural spring--warm and cold water--where they are given body care supplies and told to "do what comes naturally." The "mountain women," as Cortney calls them, have a day of beauty, showering, shaving, and generally primping and pampering themselves. The girls especially enjoy the rejuvenating qualities of the mud and the real aloe vera plants to be found nearby.

While the girls chill out, Jack takes them, one by one, to a private area to get to know them better. Each girl gets a chance to ask Jack some questions, and Maria even gets a chance to lock lips with the man, engaging in some intense making out. Cortney, on the other hand, turns away when Jack leans in for a kiss. The biggest connection seems to be between Jack and either Adrienne or Marissa. He claims to share a spiritual bond with Adrienne, but can't resist the allure of sexy Marissa.

The spa revitalizes the ladies, especially Mary--who feels like herself again, even if she did have to do her own nails for a change. The girls don't fail to notice Jack connecting with Marissa, and seem to delight in the fact that the next elimination won't be Jack's choice.

Soon, it's time for this week's challenge. A group of Aboriginal elders comes to camp to pass judgement on the contestants. Whoever they award a necklace to will be immune from the next elimination. The tribal elders show the girls a ritual dance, and give them a chance to perform for the group. Marissa knows her head is on the chopping block, and tries to turn the performance into "The Marissa Show." But Mary has all the right moves, and the Aborigines award her the necklace. She gets an evening with Jack, and a restful sleep since she can't be voted off the next day. (video)

After a night of debate and politicking, during which Maria takes an ill-advised trip to Jack's tent, the girls meet the next morning to cast their votes. There are only five camels, but six girls. With Mary not allowed to cast a vote, the rest of the contestants get to choose who will ride off into the sunset. Each girl gets to explain their vote to Jack--in front of the other girls--and the choice is unanimous. Marissa is sent packing. In fact, every girl votes for Marissa, except for Marissa, herself (who casts a bitter vote for Adrienne, calling her "classless"). (video)

Jack is pained by Marissa's departure, but he shouldn't be. As the remaining five ladies ride off on their camels, JD Roberto reveals the game's next twist. Everyone may think that Marissa is going home, but they're wrong! She's designated "the boomerang," and she's told by JD that she'll soon be back in the game!


For a behind-the-scenes look at this week's episode, check out host JD Roberto's Outback Diary!