Pirate Master (Courtesy Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Pirate Master was a CBS reality television show created by Mark Burnett which replaced the previous Mark Burnett show on CBS, Rock Star. It follows sixteen modern-day pirates on their quest for gold, which totaled US$1,000,000. The show was hosted by Cameron Daddo, and took place in the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. The show premiered on Thursday, May 31, 2007. The show also aired on CTV in Canada, Sky3 in the UK, premiered on June 21, 2007 on Network Ten in Australia, and premiered on July 4, 2007 on AXN Asia. On July 10 in the US, the show moved to Tuesdays at 10 p.m. (ET). In its Tuesday run, it would follow the 9 p.m. (ET) broadcast of '. As of July 24, in the US, Pirate Master was only online on CBS.com's Innertube, with a new episode presented each week on Tuesday morning.

Premise

The premise and show format are based on the airing of the complete show and based on information from the CBS website,

The premise is based on the fictional legend of the pirate captain Henry Steel and the Treasure of Zanzibar. Based on this tale, Steel divided his loot into 14 parts and hid them across the island of Dominica. A special chest, the Chest of Zanzibar, was created with 15 locked compartments, each containing maps and clues to find each of these stashes. The treasure found through the clues in one compartment will contain a key that can be used to open another compartment. The 15th compartment, which can only be opened once each other compartment has been opened in order, contains a map showing the location of every gold stash on the island of Dominica and would lead to the largest prize.

Expeditions

Each week, the contestants are divided into two crews, Black and Red, to hunt for the treasures indicated by the maps and clues obtained from the most recently opened part on the Chest of Zanzibar. The captain and his officers are automatically part of the Black Crew, and the remaining players are randomly assigned to the other crews by pulling colored gunshots out of bags; there may be separate bags for the men and women to even out the distributions on each crew if, for example, the captain and his officers are all of the same sex. The Black Crew gains the extra player when an odd number of people are available. For the first expedition only, crews are randomly assigned.

Both crews simultaneously go on expeditions and decipher clues along the way to find gold coins hidden around the island of Dominica. During the expedition, there is the potential for the currently leading crew (based on the trailing member of the team) to "sabotage" the other crew at a given point and slow them down in the hunt, such as by causing a net to fall to block passage along a river. There also may be booby traps that can slow down the leading team. The first crew to successfully retrieve the treasure, even if another crew arrived and started searching first, wins the treasure, and indicates their victory by firing a blunderbuss to let the other crew know that the expedition is over.

Should the Black team win (led by the current Captain), the Captain retains his or her position, and has the option to replace his Officers prior to dividing the winnings. Should the Red team win, they elect a new Captain who will select two other crew members as the Officers. For the first expedition only, the winning crew gets to elect the Captain in this same manner. The Captain claims 50% of the total gold discovered, the Officers share 25% of the gold, while the rest of the winning crew members share the remaining 25% of the gold; when necessary, distributions are rounded to the nearest $100. The prized gold is given to the crew members immediately, and allows them to strike deals with each other and vie for long-term security. This money cannot be stolen by other players. Of the total $1 million prize that the show offers, $500,000 will be distributed through the show in this manner.

When there are eight players remaining in the game, only a Captain position is selected, and any current Officers are demoted. The Black crew (including the Captain) and Red crew continue the expedition as before, with the winning team retaining or selecting a captain. The Captain then gets the full amount of the treasure.

Pirates' Court

At the end of each episode, there is a Pirates' Court. Prior to this Court's proceedings, the Captain distributes letters, three of which contain a black ink blot (called a "black spot"). The three contestants marked with a "black spot" are the ones nominated to be voted off and cannot take part in the voting process that follows; the Captain and his officers are not allowed to vote either. The remaining crew members then cast their votes by impaling their ballots on an upturned dagger. The contestant with the most votes is then "cut adrift" (i.e., voted off the show). In case of a tie, the captain decides which of the tied players he will cast adrift. However, if the crew band together and unanimously vote for a mutiny against the Captain, then the officers will have a chance to vote; if they both agree with the crew, the Captain is cut adrift instead; it is unknown if a new Captain is immediately chosen by the crew or not. If either Officer disagrees with the mutiny, the mutiny fails, and the Captain can then choose any player (including those that did not have the Black Spot but that voted for mutiny) to be set adrift.

The fourth episode introduced a "Royal Pardon" found in the treasure, a document given to the Captain after the expedition. Prior to the distribution of the next Black Spot letters, each player may bid secretly for the Pardon. At the Pirates' Court, after the votes have been placed, the winning bid of the Pardon is announced, and the bid amount is paid to whoever currently holds the pardon. If that player has the most votes, that player is safe, and the next highest vote earner is cut adrift, and the Pardon is removed from the game. If he does not receive the most votes, he retains the Pardon but must sell it to a different player via silent auction by the next Pirates' Court. The Royal Pardon is removed from the game after the ninth Pirate Court, whether if used or not.

When there are eight players remaining, the Captain solely selects two players for Black Spots. Because there are no Officers, a unanimous vote for mutiny will result in the Captain being set adrift immediately.

Ghost Crew

The eighth episode introduced a "Ghost Crew" made up of the previously eliminated seven players. The remaining players in the game compete as a single Black Crew against the Ghost Crew. Should the Black Crew win, the rest of the game played out as normal. If the Ghost Crew should win, they not only keep the treasure, but get to decide which three of the remaining players would get the Black Spot for the Pirate's Court, and there would be no Captain or Officers until the next expedition.

End Game

When only three competitors are left, an expedition is performed, with each player competing against the others. The first player to the treasure becomes Captain and receives the expedition's treasure, and is guaranteed to be competing for Captain Steele's bounty. The other two players face a Pirate's Court made up of the previously eliminated players, who ultimately decide which player joins the Captain in the final expedition.

The final two players, prior to the final expedition, each select three additional crew members from the previously eliminated contestants to assist them on the expedition. The final expedition includes portions that only the finalist can perform in addition to where teamwork can be used. The finalist who is the first to find Captain Steele's treasure wins $500k and the title of Pirate Master.

Features

The show is notable for its evocative setting and props. Much of the show takes place on the ship, called the Picton Castle, but the contestants also disembark and explore island rivers and muddy riverbanks in search of gold. Skeletons, keys, and other pirate-themed paraphernalia are scattered about the foggy island environment.

Other stereotypical pirate-like features include pirate-themed music, pirate-like clothing (note that the captain and the officers don garments signifying their superior rank), and the performance of laborious chores aboard the ship. The ship's main mast sports a Jolly Roger, stylized with a Pirate Master logo.

The ship itself is manned by the real crew of the Picton Castle, though the show contestants do assist with manning the sails and other tasks.

Contestants

Contestant	Placement	Number of Votes	Net Treasure
John Lakness 25, Carlisle, MA	1st Cut Adrift	10	$2,000
Christian Okoye 45, Enugu, Nigeria	2nd Cut Adrift	5	$200
Alexis Shubin 26, Laguna Beach, CA	3rd Cut Adrift	5 Captain's Choice	$2,200
Cheryl Kosewicz 35, Sparks, NV	4th Cut Adrift	8	$37,291
Sean Twomey 27, Venice, CA	5th Cut Adrift	5	$2,040
Jocelyn "Joy" McElveen 21, West Columbia, SC	6th Cut Adrift	3	$6,166
Joe Don "J.D." Morton 36, Fairbanks, AK	7th Cut Adrift	6	$22,100
Elicia "Jupiter" Mendoza 30, Los Angeles, CA	8th Cut Adrift	3	$49,582
Azmyth Kaminski 26, Los Angeles, CA	9th Cut Adrift	5	$66,406
Nessa Nemir 29, Berkeley, CA	10th Cut Adrift	4	$21,416
Kendra Guffey 38, Los Angeles, CA	11th Cut Adrift	3	$31,000
Laurel Schmidt 21, Los Angeles, CA	12th Cut Adrift	2 Captain's Choice	$32,332
Louie Frase 43, Fishing Creek, MD	13th Cut Adrift	3	$17,416
Jay Hatkow 37, Detroit, MI	14th Cut Adrift	12	$80,166
Christa DeAngelo 29, Tamaqua, PA	Runner Up	1	$60,416
Ben Fagan 23, Charleston, SC	Pirate Master	1	$617,624

Episodes

#	Title	Treasure Hidden By	Original airdate	EpisodeNumber=1	ShortSummary= The contestants board the Picton Castle and recover the Chest of Zanzibar. Joe Don becomes arrogant upon taking the role of Captain. Although he led the Black Crew to victory in the first expedition, John was unanimously cut adrift for annoying the crew and threatening to steal the compasses. }}	EpisodeNumber=2	ShortSummary= Joe Don initiates an alliance with Jay to trade money for information. Joy injures her knee during the expedition. Joe Don's arrogance as Captain dampens the ship morale. Christian is cut adrift for slowing down the expedition crews. }}	EpisodeNumber=3	ShortSummary= Azmyth leads the Red Crew to its first victory and becomes the new Captain. While some are excited when Azmyth shares the wealth, others question his newfound British accent. Jay attempts to bribe Sean into voting against Cheryl. However, Alexis is cut adrift due to her volatile attitude and lack of teamwork. }}	EpisodeNumber=4	ShortSummary= Several ladies privately discuss their dislike for Nessa's flirting. The Black Crew loses the expedition when Azmyth leads them astray. The Royal Pardon is revealed. Joe Don's ultimatum to Jay backfires when Jay reveals their alliance. Louie, the new Captain, seeks to fulfill his vendetta against ex-captain Joe Don for hoarding the treasure. At Pirate's Court, Cheryl is cut adrift for alienating herself from the crew early on. }}	EpisodeNumber=5	ShortSummary= Christa conquers her fear of heights. Sean butts heads with Jay and Nessa. Azmyth regains the role of Captain, then chooses Ben and Jay as officers to form an alliance of strong men. Joe Don lends Nessa money to buy the Royal Pardon, but Azmyth turns the tables by not marking her with the Black Spot. Sean is cut adrift for being untrustworthy. }}	EpisodeNumber=6	ShortSummary= Jupiter takes over the cook's role. The crew begins to resent Azmyth's change in personality as captain. The Triad of Azmyth, Ben, and Jay leads the Black Crew to victory. They decide to strengthen their team by marking weaker Joy and Kendra, and strong Joe Don with Black Spots. After a close vote, Joy is cut adrift. }}	EpisodeNumber=7	ShortSummary= The Triad works Joe Don and Louie hard with ship chores to weaken them before the expedition. After another Black Crew victory, Jay offers Kendra safety in trade for a vote against Joe Don. Jupiter squashes the crew's hopes of mutiny. Joe Don and Nessa's feelings for each other grow stronger. Without the safety of the Royal Pardon, Joe Don is cut adrift in favor of keeping personable Louie. }}	EpisodeNumber=8	ShortSummary= Jay calls out Kendra for going back on her word. The previously cut adrift pirates return as a Ghost Crew to compete against the current crew. Unfortunately, John loses the Ghost Crew's key and costs them the victory. At dinner, Jupiter announces the crew's thoughts of mutiny in hopes that Azmyth will choose new Officers. Instead, Azmyth interprets her warning as a threat and marks her with a Black Spot. Having alienated herself at dinner, Jupiter is cut adrift by the crew. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=9	ShortSummary= The eight remaining pirates are summoned to an all night party in a hideaway. The day after, Cameron reveals that Jay and Ben are no longer officers, and they take part in the expedition on the Red Crew leaving Azmyth without his triad for protection on the Black Crew. The Red Crew wins and elects the first woman captain, Christa. She is given all the booty from the expedition. Christa feels the pressure of being Captain and fears she could get a Black Spot after she departs the Captain's Quarters. Jay gives Christa a plan to make money. Christa is to tell Kendra she would receive part of "her share" of the treasure in the form of the last Pardon purchase, double cross her by not purchasing it, and then cut her adrift. Christa ends up sticking to her word and actually purchases the Pardon, surprising Jay. Azmyth and Kendra are put up at Pirate's Court. The crew decides to cut Azmyth adrift, keeping Kendra safe once again. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=10	ShortSummary= Seven pirates remain as Christa begins her first full mission as captain. She admits that Jay has been the mastermind of the ship since the beginning, but keeps him and Ben close in a secret pact in order to win more booty. They mislead Nessa into believing that she is to be among the planned "final four". In the expedition, the Black Crew narrowly defeats the Red Crew, maintaining Christa's captaincy. Christa black spots Kendra and a surprised Nessa. At Pirate's Court, Nessa understates her athleticism by proclaiming to the crew that Kendra's weak swimming is more likely to cause a mission loss then her strengths could cause a win. She also openly accuses Ben, Jay, and Christa of a secret alliance which they deny. The pirates unanimously vote Nessa out. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=11	ShortSummary= The remaining six pirates sleep in the next morning, attributed to their more lenient captain, Christa. Also allowing swim breaks and sharing the better food, Christa hopes this will keep everyone happy with her captaincy. She continues to plot with Ben and Jay, and the three agree that the Black Crew has to win the expedition. When Jay is placed on the Red Crew, he gives minimal effort, allowing the Black Crew to win yet again. To the dismay of the Black Crew, the expedition resulted in no treasure, as "A. Patel" took it for himself. Jay and Christa agree that Kendra's time has come, and Louie casually volunteers to be the other pirate to receive the Black Spot, as he is sure he will stay. At Pirate's Court, it is publicly revealed that Louie volunteered to be Black Spotted, and he faces scrutiny for having so much confidence he is safe, as Kendra has already survived five Black Spots. In the end, however, the vote is unanimous, and Kendra is cut adrift. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=12	ShortSummary= The final five pirates remain, and Ben and Christa deliberate on Jay's methods/schemes to remove the captain (Christa) from power. The expedition begins with a swim as the two crews go in search of the Astronomer's treasure. Laurel lags in the swim, slowing Louie down. Ben, Jay and Christa find difficulties along the way, but manage to pull through and win $30,000 in loot. Back on the ship, Jay, Ben and Christa go at each other's necks on the issue of betraying each other and lying. Ben shows his true colors to Jay, and Jay does the same, as Christa goes into a meltdown of emotions. Once the Black Spots are handed out, Jay is surprised as he finds out that Laurel and Ben have been spotted. At Pirate's Court, Laurel is cut adrift after a tie in votes and Christa choosing her over Ben, deciding to compete against the strongest rather than the weakest. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=13	ShortSummary= Ben is stuck on the Red Crew, separated from Christa and Jay. His attempts at throwing the expedition work, as the Black Crew walks away with $40,000 in treasure. Christa splits the treasure with the other pirates. She Black Spots Ben and Louie, promising Jay that he will not be getting a black spot. In the end, Jay decides to stick with his alliance and sets Louie adrift, leaving him, Christa, and Ben as the final three pirates. }} Online Only	EpisodeNumber=14	ShortSummary= The final three face off head to head to find the First Mate's treasure. Ben becomes the new captain upon claiming that treasure and secures himself a shot at Captain Steele's $500,000. At Pirate's Court, the Ghost Pirates make sure Jay is the first of the three eliminated. Feeling bad for throwing the previous expedition, Ben makes amends and gives Louie his cut. From there, Ben and Christa choose from those cast adrift to form teams of four to help one of them find Henry Steel's final treasure. Most offer themselves to Christa. In response Ben offers his previous winnings as incentives for his crew; Christa matches his offer. Ben chooses Cheryl, Azmyth, and Jupiter. Christa picks Jay, John, and Nessa. Ben ultimately wins, making him the Pirate Master. }}

Weekly Crew Assignments

	Episode 1	Episode 2	Episode 3	Episode 4	Episode 5	Episode 6	Episode 7	Episode 8	Episode 9	Episode 10	Episode 11	Episode 12	Episode 13	Episode 14	Final Mission
Winning Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Red Crew	Red Crew	Red Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Red Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Black Crew	Ben	Black Crew
Booty Found	$40,000	$45,000	$35,000	$5,000	$40,000	$40,000	$35,000	$50,000	$50,000	$40,000	$0	$30,000	$40,000	$50,000	$500,000
Crew Member	Crew / Booty share
Ben	12.5% ($5,000)	12.5% ($5,625)	-	16.66% ($833)	16.67% ($6,666)	20% ($8,000)	20% ($7,000)	20% ($10,000)	25% ($12,500)	25% ($10,000)	0% ($0)	33.3% ($10,000)	30% ($12,000)	60% ($30,000)	100% ($500,000)
Christa	-	5% ($2,250)	14.28% ($5,000)	-	-	13.33% ($5,333)	-	6.66% ($3,333)	45% ($22,500)	25% ($10,000)	0% ($0)	33.3% ($10,000)	30% ($12,000)	20% ($10,000)	-
Jay	-	-	14.28% ($5,000)	-	16.67% ($6,666)	20% ($8,000)	20% ($7,000)	20% ($10,000)	25% ($12,500)	25% ($10,000)	-	33.3% ($10,000)	27.5% ($11,000)	20% ($10,000)	-
Louie	5% ($2,000)	5% ($2,250)	14.28% ($5,000)	16.66% ($833)	-	-	-	6.66% ($3,333)	-	-	0% ($0)	-	12.5% ($5,000)
Laurel	-	-	-	-	16.67% ($6,666)	13.33% ($5,333)	20% ($7,000)	6.66% ($3,333)	-	25% ($10,000)	-	-
Kendra	5% ($2,000)	-	14.28% ($5,000)	16.66% ($833)	16.67% ($6,666)	-	-	6.66% ($3,333)	5% ($2,500)	-	-
Nessa	-	5% ($2,250)	14.28% ($5,000)	16.66% ($833)	-	-	-	6.66% ($3,333)	-	-					-
Azmyth	-	5% ($2,250)	14.28% ($5,000)	-	16.67% ($6,666)	20% ($8,000)	20% ($7,000)	20% ($10,000)	-						-
Jupiter	5% ($2,000)	5% ($2,250)	14.28% ($5,000)	-	16.67% ($6,666)	-	20% ($7,000)	6.66% ($3,333)							-
Joe Don	50% ($20,000)	50% ($22,500)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Joy	-	-	-	16.66% ($833)	-	13.33% ($5,333)		-
Sean	-	-	-	16.66% ($833)	-			-
Cheryl	12.5% ($5,000)	12.5% ($5,625)	-	-				-							-
Alexis	5% ($2,000)	-	-					-
Christian	-	-						-
John	5% ($2,000)							-							-