This Wednesday's episode of Survivor reminded me of the glory days of Survivor Micronesia. Opposing alliances begging for votes, sleek deception, and multiple idols in play. This was one of the best single episodes of Survivor for a long time, and we Survivor fans will continue to remember this one.
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| He can't be comfortable just yet |
The vast majority of this episode was devoted to strategy, but let me quickly mention the challenges first. I can't help but think that the reward challenge was poorly designed. The idea was that the "defender" would act as some kind of goalie, defending the net behind. But after a few tosses, it became clear that contestants could very easily lob the ball over the defender, thus easily gaining a point. So Malcolm and Mike essentially became obsolete after a few throws. Disappointing, but I respect the production team for trying something new! I still cannot get over how nearly every challenge this season involves throwing something. I'm pretty sure this is unprecedented, and I can't see how it would hurt to mix it up a little.
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| Has a "guy power" strategy ever worked? |
A diverse group of dudes pigged out at a waterfall for winning, and also repelled down the rockface. I couldn't help but laugh at the beaming Cochran as he sloppily scales down the rock face. As they eat, Eddie, Reynold, and Mike push for a guys alliance. However, in a confessional, Cochran notes that an appeal to manliness is no way to earn his allegiance. Erik said very little, and it seems that he's still going to be a pawn of Andrea and Brenda.
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| Brenda "Serenity" Lowe looking stellar |
The immunity challenge is a classic and one of my favorites. It premiered during Survivor Micronesia, and in spectacular fashion Jason beat the challenge master Ozzy Lusth. Anyway, Brenda kept herself totally calm and destroyed the competition to win an essentially meaningless individual immunity challenge.
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| Dawn plays both sides |
Back at Camp, Malcolm hatches his master plan. He believes that he can pull in Dawn and having a voting block of six (Malc, Reynold, Ed, Mike, Erik, and Dawn) to vote for the strategic Andrea Boehlke. Malcolm tells the opposing alliance to split votes between Eddie and Reynold, in which case Andrea's six votes would prevail. The problem for Malcolm arises with Dawn. Malcolm talks about how Dawn would willing to make a big move due to her inaction during South Pacific. But Dawn falsely assures Malcolm while keeping her alliance to Phillip and Andrea. With Dawn, the Favorites alliance is the majority and they quietly plan to all vote Malcolm.
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| Strategic or real relationship? |
Everything goes haywire when Eddie and Andrea consult before the vote. With a potentially budding romance, the two are sharing information (though it seems only a one-way flow). Before the vote, Eddie lets slip that Andrea could be going and she gets nervous about the Malcolm vote. She knows that idols may be involved, and she's nervous that the joke could be on her. The new plan: vote Michael - the safest possible option.
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| Her paranoia pays off |
Going into tribal, the audience has no idea what's going down. Phillip and the Favorites give the impression that they could take out Malcolm during Jeff's questioning. I could tell Malcolm's mind was racing. What comes next was a historic move by Malcolm. As Reynold walks up to present his idol to Jeff, Malcolm convinces him that it is he that is going. Malcolm play's Reynold's idol but to no avail: Andrea switches the vote to Mike.
I believe Malcolm made the right move. It was highly possible that the favorites could have all voted Malcolm and gotten Andrea booted. This could have easily happened, in which case it could have been one of the best idol blindsides of all time. But even though this didn't take place, Malcolm made everyone know that he absolutely doesn't have an idol. Literally no one knows, and when it gets played there are going to be fireworks.
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| Like him or not, he's playing to win |
Malcolm's counter alliance seems screwed. The only chance is for some big move, resignation, or alliance flip to take place. This is entirely feasible for Malcolm, seeing as he has three days to figure it out. We have a great season on our hands, folks.
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