Before meeting the 18 contestants, Jeff talks to the camera, and we finally get to some mat talk before the first challenge. After a flashback about what an amazing social experiment Survivor is, we learn that the three tribes of six are Ratu in orange, Soka in green, and Tika in purple. Jeff tells them that he will “birth [them] into the game with the first reward challenge.” That’s quite an image, Mr. Probst.

During the challenge, teams have to crawl under obstacles in teams of two, and each player carries back a puzzle piece. Once the team has all six pieces, two players must put together a puzzle. Then three more players each need to throw rings off of a very tall post.

Just minutes into the challenge, poor Bruce from the Tika tribe hits his head on the wooden post he needs to crawl underneath to complete the challenge. He’s bleeding profusely, but he never! gives! up! This slows Tika down, and as all three teams work on the puzzle, Bruce buckles over.

Jeff stops the challenge and calls in the medical team. The doctor gives Bruce oxygen as Jeff holds up Bruce’s muddy, bloody head. The medical team advises that Bruce can keep playing under supervision. Bruce calls the challenge back on, and Carson and Helen quickly bring the Tika tribe into first place with the puzzle. Carolyn steps up to toss the first ring … and she just can’t do it.

The green Soka tribe follows Tika’s lead on the puzzle, but they quickly finish the ring toss and finish the challenge in first place. Soka wins a pot, a machete, and flint: the three necessities. Ratu follows and earns the chance to pick whether they do “Sweat” or “Savvy” in order to win a shot at their necessities. And Carolyn is still at the ring toss, but her team hugs her to make up for her falling literally short.