Some weeks of "Survivor" are kind of a let down and episode 11 did just that, in my opinion. Sure, there was some drama and intrigue, but it kind of fell flat after the hugely climactic tribal council last week.
I was expecting fireworks after Parvati used two idols during the tribal council but it turned out to be more like a firecracker.
Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Instead, Russell was left licking the wounds of betrayal caused by Parvati keeping her Immunity Idol a secret from him. His feelings were hurt by the fact that the woman in whom he has confided EVERYTHING, failed to reveal her find to him. For the past several weeks, Russell has followed Parvati around like a puppy dog. Maybe he was in over his head where she was concerned.
Russell took time to digest the information that not only did she have the idol she found, but the one she accepted from him as well. Russell's grand gesture of sacrificing his idol for her fell flat when Parvati orchestrated the double-whammy!
Seducing the Enemy!
At this point, I have to believe that Russell felt that he was outwitted by Parvati because, well, he WAS outwitted by her. So, Russell retaliated by going to Candice and securing her as a possible fifth vote in the event that Sandra flipped. Russell does have a knack for figuring out who is approachable in terms of flipping.
Candice was the perfect target in so many ways. She's been an outsider among the Heroes since the beginning. She's quiet but perceptive. She is also confident in her athleticism and probably certain that she can win Immunity Challenges when necessary. The added fact that her former tribe would likely vote her out fourth contributed to her discontentment with them.
The only puzzling thing was that Russell went right back and told the others that he was trying to get Candice to flip. Why? To me, one of the greatest attributes to being a survivor is the ability to keep some elements of strategy a secret. Candice could have been his "ace in the hole."
How to Back a Teammate -- Colby Style
The Reward Challenge was one of luck as much as skill. The red team of Rupert, Russell and Sandra, lead for most of the way, but Colby managed to wrap it on the final play of the game.
So Colby, Amanda and Danielle went off to the reward. Amanda was on the lookout for the clue to the idol but Danielle happened to find it in the bowl of popcorn. Colby, watching "Treasure Island," sat oblivious to everything but the movie and even looked a bit perturbed that it was interrupted by a showdown between Amanda and Danielle.
To me, Colby showed exactly why he will never win the game of "Survivor." Danielle found the clue and dropped it on the floor. Amanda noticed her do it and went around the bed to check on it. She found the clue lying on the floor and picked it up. A furious Danielle followed her and tried to get it back. Eventually, Colby intervened by siding with Danielle. Why? Who knows. But it was a dumb move that capped off a series of dumb moves. The clue was not in anyone's possession when Amanda found it and should have been up for grabs.
It's My Idol and I'll Share If I Want To
Danielle returns to camp and shares the clue with Russell, Jerri and Parvati. Together they look for the idol by the stream. Russell finds it, sits on it, pockets it and decides to keep it a secret from Danielle and the others of his alliance. Instead, he shares his find with Candice who, in turn, shares the plans of the former Heroes tribe with Russell.
Now at this point, Rupert trusts Sandra completely. He knows that the Heroes had an opportunity to embrace the information she gave them prior to the last Tribal Council, and chose not too. His only hope of turning the game is to woo Sandra back again.
This time, Sandra talks to Colby, who is not entirely certain that she's not playing them. Still, the Heroes move forward with a tentative plan based on Sandra's information.
Candice is the perfect double-agent. She eventually shares the information that Sandra is sharing information. Russell, being well, fanatical about loyalty, confronts Sandra and lets her know that Candice has flipped so she's inconsequential to their plans. Sandra, of course, goes back to let the former Heroes know what's up.
Stupidly, the Heroes confront Candice who assures them she's on their side and they swallow it. Sandra tries in vain to convince Candice to vote for Parvati but for whatever reason, Candice is convinced that Amanda needs to go.
What Could Have Been
During the Immunity Challenge, Jerri edges Russell for the win. It's quite telling that the Heroes target Amanda or both Colby and Russell. Their goal is to get rid of the threats in the game. Obviously, neither Colby or Rupert are perceived as posing much of a threat, either physical or mental.
During Tribal Council, Russell plays the idol he found for himself without realizing that the Heroes are targeting Parvati. So close. If Candice would have remained with the Heroes and Sandra would have felt safe, it could have been a season-changing vote! Instead, Amanda left in a vote of 6-3.
Parvati looked none too thrilled realizing that this week Russell had played strictly for himself. Should be interesting next week as it looks like anger and distrust are getting the best of the Villains' alliance.
No comments:
Post a Comment