Survivor Caramoan Episode 3 Recap: Shamar in shambles, Andrea takes charge

In our third episode of Fans vs. Favorites 2, we see more of the same disfunction from the fans and strategic shifts at the favorites camp. 

Post-tribal tension

The center of attention in the Fans camp has been Shamar. Arguably hated from day one, many were surprised that he made it past the first tribal council.  Just like last week, Sherri pushed for the veteran to stay, arguing instead to vote Hope to weaken the strong three of Reynold, Eddie, and Hope.  Sherri had a tough job these last three days. Not only has Shamar pissed off nearly everyone in the tribe, but he consideres quitting for the entire first half of the episode. Appealing to the military background of Shamar, Sherri invokes the notion of loyalty in her plea for him to stay. Another smooth move by the Utah entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, Reynold and Eddie know that they could be next (after Hope). Their appeal is that they are essential for challenges, which is true. However, how long will this reasoning last? It is certainly common for the strongest players to be picked off right before or right after the merge.  It will be interesting to see if Reynold and Eddie form a new alliance with other members of the tribe.  Despite being in a dying alliance, Reynold is very likable and could be making moves in the next two episodes.

How trustworthy is this face?

The favorites seem to be in a comfortable place right now. However, subtle moves are taking place while the fans are busy quarreling back at Gota.  Andrea is one to never feel fully comfortable in an alliance, and she plays both sides in order to secure votes against Corrine. Pulling in Cochran and Brandon, she seems to have successfully convinced the boys that Corrine is a threat and should be gone sooner rather than later.  She later tells Phillip, who affirms his loyalty to Andrea in this situation.  This could spell trouble for Malcolm and Corrine later on.

Could it be a blessing or a curse?

Andrea has ample reasoning be nervous, for Malcolm and Corrine stumble upon the idol in a tree (who hides these idols?!).  Malcolm's not thrilled to share it with Corrine, but this is his only choice and he goes along with it.  Based on Gabon, Corrine is undyingly loyal to her alliances. Will she change her strategy, and backstab? Either way, Malcolm certainly doesn't fully trust her.

The immunity-reward challenged was close the entire way. With the strong swimming fans coming to an early lead, the challenge became tied as the grappling-hook portion of the challenge took place.  In the end, Reynold's magic throwing touch was non-existent and the fans narrowly took home immunity and pillows and blankets.

Grappling hook: the great equalizer

Before the vote, Shamar nearly shifted the vote to himself by exposing the majority alliance's plan to vote Hope, the next target.  While some negotiations between Laura, Julia, and Reynold occurred, Sherri's original plan shined through.  At tribal council, Sherri and friends put together an Idol-proof plan: split their 6 votes between Eddie and Hope, while the isolated three would put all three on Shamar.  After the three-way tie, the remaining 5 (Matt, Mike, Julia, Laura, Sherri) would vote Hope while Reynold would vote Shamar. Although the idol wasn't flushed, the strategy worked as expected with Hope leaving.

Eddie: "I'm also on Shamar's no-talking list"

I can't see Shamar lasting much longer. It's probably a bad sign that he has two fellow tribemates on his "no-talking list."