Survivor Caramoan Episode 7 Recap: Gota's Dominance, Birth of a game-changing alliance

Dead Fans walking

Unfortunately, the editors didn't have much to work with on this last episode. With a few exceptions, the dominance of Gota continues the Favorites of Bikal are tasked with eliminating the unlucky fans stuck with them. If anything, the takeaway from this episode was "wait 'til you see what happens next week." From what it seems, we could see Fans and Favorites alliances shattered.

At the Bikal Tribe, we are exposed over and over again to the "rift" between Corinne and Phillip.  But while Corinne is most vocal, the rest of the Favorites feel with her. She and Cochran discuss his cocky nature after Phillip claims to be a dominant player when it comes to strength. The fact is, they don't hate each other enough to turn on each other. The Bikal Favorites alliance are very experienced, and know it's the smart move to dispose of the Fans first.

Making up for lost rewards in Micronesia

Over at Gota, spirits are high and only get higher as the episode progresses. They're coming off multiple wins, and are sure that their prowess can continue (if only for one episode). Everyone is comfortable. Except Malcolm.  He's here to win this time.  With the Favorites still having a 4-3 lead over the fans, so Andrea and Brenda feel comfortable. But Malcolm knows that he will be a physical threat at the merge, and he will be targeted instantly.  He approaches Reynold with an idea for a secret sub-alliance withe Reynold, Eddie, Erik, and Malcolm.  Reynold, wary of liar, somehow emphatically believes Malcolm and reveals that he has an idol. Malcolm has two alliances that trust him, and neither of them know he has an idol. This is why Malcolm is one of the game's most popular.

The reward challenge was done before it started. In another challenge dating back to Cook Islands (watch it if you haven't!), Gota's fit team demolished Phillip and the toothless Bikals.  In perhaps the most valuable reward by far, the tribe drank coffee and ate pastries 'til they were sick (Dawn called it a "diarrhea-fest," bitter from losing). Malcolm kisses all his tribe mates and no one second guesses him. 

Magic touch

At immunity, called "Phoenix Rising," we have a brand new challenge (wooo!).  It was supposed to run during Philippines, but got cancelled due to rain.  Bikal kept up in the rowing portion of the challenge due to their careful steering, but Gota prevailed under the keen throwing hand of Reynold. This season has been unique in its amount of throwing components and lack of puzzles. I don't know if I like this. Puzzles even the playing field in a way that throwing games do not.  A puzzle, for instance, could have given Bikal more of a chance. I'm a big fan of Survivor Gabon, for one because I witnessed underdogs coming out on top with a puzzle. Who could forget Kenny Hoang comes out in the clutch to win immunity with this puzzle performance? I hope they add more puzzles into the mix in the future.

"I threw the challenge"

Bikal takes the predictable, smart route and splits votes between Julia and Matt.  Ultimately it's Julia who goes after failing Phillip's "test." However, the editing hints at an overthrow of Phillip for much of the episode. Corinne vents, and she and Cochran later chuckle at his over-confidence in the reward. Maybe this is a sign of things to come. Matt will be saved by the merge. He's stayed out of the spotlight and fostered ties with Corinne and I hope he stays for a few more episodes. Matt is a rational, smart player, and the game is almost always better when contestants are playing hard to win.

First Reward

Next week is the merge, and the main story will surely be Malcolm. Certainly Eddie and Reynold will be put on the chopping block by the majority Favorites alliance. Will Malcolm flip and take control of the game? Let's check the numbers. If Malcolm and Erik flipped to join Eddie and Reynold, they'd be four against the other eight. IF they brought in Sherri and Mike, they would have 6 on 6. But Sherri hates Reynold and Mike is tight with Corinne, so that would be unlikely. Another option would be the Big 4, plus Corinne and Mike. This is a real possibility because Corinne loves Malcolm and thinks they are tight.  We're gonna get a show next Wednesday.

Codename "Thrilla Vanilla"