Survivor
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Its almost disconcerting how nonchalantlySurvivormoves on from the raw and powerful closing of last weeks episode.
But thats the nature of the game, I guess.
Tribal council was a very emotional thing that just happened, says Drea early in the episode.
But Im still onSurvivor… and Im gonna play as hard as I can.
What follows is a more traditional episode ofSurvivor, revolving around converging strategies and a ruthless behind-the-scenes scheme.
But its a different storm heading Hais way one that he doesnt see coming.
Hais boot might be predictable for the audience, but its a complete surprise to him.
Thats because we get to see all the machinations going on behind Hais back.
It starts with an upset Mike and opportunistic Omar.
Mike isnt pleased with Hai forcing him to vote out Rocksroy last week.
Omar stokes the flames, driving a further wedge between the former allies.
(Sidenote: If Mike was a puppet, hed obviously be Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.)
This is a lie.
But as Omar says, Its a good lie, not a stupid lie.
Mike eats it up faster than his slice of pizza and essentially hands his puppet strings over to Omar.
While the wheels are in motion for Hais assassination, Lindsay has her target set on Jonathan.
This is a breakout episode for Lindsay, who until now has mostly been relegated to the sidelines.
Lindsay continues to miss out early in the episode when she literally walks right by a hidden immunity idol.
Lindsay is concerned that if she stays tightly aligned with Jonathan, his bad strategy will reflect on her.
So taking him out now when the tribe has an open shot wouldnt be the worst idea.
However, the momentum seems to be with the Hai vote.
Lindsay realizes that its not worth rocking the boat.
Its better to just stick with the plan and call it a day, she says.
Plus if she votes out Hai, it increases the power of the amulet advantage for her and Drea.
On the other hand, Omar is not one to ever call it a day.
The exotic animal veterinarian has perfectly fulfilled his owl in the night strategy.
He has individual connections with everyone on the tribe and is able to flit between alliances effortlessly.
Omars set things up so that hes always in the middle and has choices heading into each tribal council.
Its the closest anyone has come to mimicking Rob CesterninosSurvivor: The Amazongameplay in a very long time.
But there is a danger of getting too fancy with this kind of strategy.
Shall I work with Hai because no one else trusts him?
Because hes loyal to me, Omar wonders in confessional.
But this doesnt end up happening.
Omar sticks with the majority and sends Hai packing.
Hai takes his elimination in great spirits, complimenting his tribemates on an amazing blindside.
Its fitting that he spent his final tribal drawing an analogy between the game ofSurvivorand blindfolded long-distance runners.
Were all in the race, but we dont know whos in front, he says.
Hai firmly believed he was the front-runner dictating the pace of the game.
Little did he know that hed been overtaken and was running the wrong way down the track.
Should we read into that?
But maybe its a positive sign for Omar, Mike, and Lindsays winning chances.
My line of the week is when Jeff asks Lindsay why people choose to playSurvivor: Were all sick.
