Survivor's Fiery Finale

August 23 -- Survivor, summertime's hottest show, is going out in a blaze of glory, high ratings — and one last wild rumor.

CBS is denying a report that its final four survivors — scheming Rich, gruff Rudy, passive-aggressive Kelly, and tough-talking Sue — have made a pact to split the $1 million cash.

A rumor had the four contestants, whose alliance has held throughout the 13-week show, making an agreement to split the cash four ways, thereby making tonight's two-hour grand finale somewhat anticlimactic.

A CBS spokesperson referred us to the show's official Web site, where the rules clearly state that any kind of money-sharing agreement between the contestants is in violation of those rules.

Making the Final CutTonight's showdown requires the final four to participate in two immunity challenges, one in which they must answer questions about their rivals, and one in which they must (ouch!) walk on hot coals. After two of the four have been eliminated from the competition, the fate of the last two contestants is decided by the jury of seven booted survivors who've been watching and waiting these last few climactic weeks.

The winner gets the $1 million and the runner-up gets $100,000. The also-rans receive $2,500 or more (according to USA Today), depending on how long they survived on the island. To avoid reports of conspicuous shopping sprees, none of the contestants have yet received their money prizes, although the actual surviving wrapped prior to the show's May 31 debut.

Of course, the 16 contestants (except maybe Sonja) have been offered their chances to cash in on their 15 minutes of fame, from offers of a nude layout in Playboy to Jenna (which she declined) to doctor Sean's upcoming appearance on the soap opera Guiding Light.

CBS Is the Real SurvivorRegardless of who ends up claiming the $1 million cash prize on the final episode of Survivor, one clear winner has already emerged: CBS, which is expected to post near-record ratings for tonight's two-hour finale.