By Survivor Guest Correspondent Cho
You ever have a really hard day at work then suddenly remember that your favorite TV show comes on late? Well, that was me today, and I’m super excited! But first, be sure to get caught up on the premiere so that your body can be ready for all the twists and turns on tonight’s episode! As always, we’ll start with my Too Long Didn’t Watch recap then move on to Cho’s Top Takeaways where we can engage in some deep Survivor discussion!
TLDW
Right off the bat, Jeff tells everyone to drop their buffs, because a switch is happening! Angela gets teary eyed about the situation, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. Girl, it’s been 6 days. She says that she used to become close to people quickly while in the military, hence, separation anxiety. We end up with two tribes composed of 5 Naviti and 4 Mololo. Naviti obviously has the advantage, but it’s never that easy is it?!
On New Mololo, we have Sebastian, Chelsea, Desiree, Kellyn and Bradley from Naviti & Jenna, Stephanie, Brendan and Michael from Mololo. Kellyn compares the camp to an ugly baby that she’s just met for the first time. Bradley moans about the lack luster camp while the rest of his old tribemates gloat in confessionals about being safe at the next vote. Bradley’s smugness and complaining are insufferable. Meanwhile I lament the danger that Stephanie and Brendan are in. They end up taking their allies to search for idols. Michael finds James from Survivor China’s hidden immunity idol which I presume he will use to protect all 4 old Mololo. Michael says he was 8 years old when he watched James get blindsided with 2 idols in his pocket. That was only a decade ago! Do you feel old yet?
On New Naviti we have Chris, Angela, Domenick, Wendell and Morgan from Naviti & Libby, James, Donathan and Laurel from Mololo. We cut right to the chase with Chris throwing Domenick under the bus and demanding to Angela that they blindside him immediately. Not only does he rub Angela the wrong way with his forceful nature, but he does this to James, Laurel and Libby as well. The ladies admit in confessionals that they just nod and look pretty when they talk to Chris. His social game is awful if you haven’t noticed yet. Morgan and Domenick decide Chris needs to leave first. Looks like an easy vote for old Mololo between Domenick and Chris!
We get to the immunity challenge, which is basically a relay race involving some obstacles and then solving a puzzle at the end. Sebastian’s hair is in a braided ponytail, and I can’t help but think of Kim Kardashian’s braids. I also need Sebastian’s shorts preferably with him in them. We get to the puzzle portion which is Kellyn/Bradley versus Wendell/Laurel. It’s a complete blow out in Mololo’s favor! Mololo can’t come to an agreement on who to send to Ghost Island so Chris is randomly chosen. HOW LUCKY!
On Ghost Island Chris doesn’t receive an opportunity at an advantage. Instead, he gives us a mental breakdown, because the game is so hard on him emotionally already. I guess when he told us he got paid to do a lot of nothing, he wasn’t exaggerating. He reveals that his mom was diagnosed with MS. Everyone has sick family members, so I’m not too moved, but this does make me dislike him a tiny bit less! It is nice to see him use his time on Ghost Island to recenter and refocus. I hope it works out for him. I really do! What do you guys think? Are you touched? Will he stop being a domineering asshole now? Let’s hope!
We get to Naviti, and naturally, everyone’s upset that they can’t vote Chris out. Attention turns to Angela who everyone assumes is his right-hand woman. Morgan relies on her new bond with Libby to get the rest of Mololo to trust her. Domenick decides to expose his fake idol to Mololo with the goal of gaining their trust. Remember when he tried this with Chris last week? It works just as effectively this time as James explains how untrustworthy and shady he is. Faced with all the opportunity in the world, James decides that they should target Morgan to take advantage of Naviti’s lack of cohesion. Libby is hesitant. We’re left wondering what she will decide…
Tribal Council is literally a huge charade of everyone pretending that the vote is gridlocked. It is not gridlocked. Analogies of “stepping out the kitchen” to talk to the other side is discussed. Angela reveals that she’s on the fence on the vote which literally cracks Domenick’s face. They get into a back-and-forth which assures Mololo that they’ve got this one in the bag. Angela is much too honest for this game and is probably leaving unanimously in a few moments. A move is made, and Morgan is blindsided instead by Mololo in a 4-3-1 vote. Angela voted Libby and the rest of old Naviti voted Angela. Morgan says to “don’t trust the cute blonde” on her way out. Next week will be a hot steaming mess for this tribe.
Cho’s Top Takeaways
What Not To Do In A Switch Pt 1: Being Too Passive
Already, we see a few things you shouldn’t do in case you are placed in this tricky situation. We have Kellyn shutting out any opportunity to make bonds by outright telling Stephanie and Jenna that they don’t have a shot at making it past this phase of the game. While Kellyn was great at giving the perception of being flexible and open to new alliances to Jeff when the switch happened, she didn’t actually follow through. We also have Bradley sitting like the smug SOB he is: complaining about the weather, the shelter and the sand while also gloating about his position. These players are not hustlers and are missing out on a lot of social capital with Stephanie, Brendan, Michael and Jenna. I have a feeling they will regret the decision to have such a passive attitude.
What Not To Do In A Switch Pt 2: Being Too Aggressive
On the flip side, you also don’t want to be an aggressive prick. Who might I be referencing here? Of course, our two overly aggressive pricks of the season, Chris and Domenick! It’s worth comparing these two, because they have opposite issues. Chris’ strategic thinking is right on the money, but the way he aggressively communicates is off putting and demeaning. We see both Angela and Libby turned off by Chris despite his logic actually being correct. Domenick’s social game is much better. He obviously has made enough allies to be in the majority, but his strategy is aggressive. His horrible choice to show Mololo his fake idol once again backfired and made them not trust him long term. When are these two guys going to learn? They continue to make it hard deciding who I favor in their rivalry. I think this week, I’m Team Domenick. Let’s keep a tally. What are your thoughts?
The Survivor Switch Curse: Can You Do ANYTHING Right?
Sometimes fate is in your favor, and sometimes it simply isn’t. More often than not, the switch ends up sending someone home that doesn’t necessarily “deserve” to leave. There are countless examples of this. What are your thoughts on Morgan’s game? Is there anything she could have done differently to receive a better outcome? I definitely have my opinions, but I’m interested to know yours in the comments below.
What did you all think of the third episode? Strong showing? Are you invested now? Do let me know all of your thoughts in the comments below, and if you’re interested, go check out my LIVE tweet session during the episodes!
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Thank yiunfor the recap. I am having a hard time liking any of them. I still don’t know their names. That will change as the season plays out. At this early stage, I’m not seeing any master strategy players. Looks more like a casting cast than people who sent in videos because they wanted to be on the show.
Yea, it can be a bit tough remembering everyone early on in the season. I do suspect that there are several recruits this season.
Hopefully things will be spiced up soon enough. I particularly like Stephanie, Brendan and James a lot. Despite Chris and Domenick getting a lot of screen time, I really don’t like either of them!
If I am not mistaken, didn’t Morgan have an Idol gifted to her from Jacob. So another Idol bites the dust!
No, he gifted her the legacy advantage, right?
Oh, that’s right. I got that messed up! So what does the legacy advantage do?
Oh yeah, so the Legacy Advantage is cool, because it remains in the game until it is eventually used. While it is obtained early in the game, it can only be used much later into the game. It is used almost exactly like a hidden immunity idol.
I’ve always liked the twist that the Legacy Advantage added.
What do you all think about Ghost Island? I find it to be a total bust. I don’t like it when they take players out of the game because in reality, it saves them and typically they come out with an idol. Plus, the way it’s being played this season, it’s totally production driven on which visits will get to “play”. One last thought, do you all think that the “drop the buff”/pick new buffs is really totally random??? I am such a skeptic that the way the buffs are placed in the baskets and how Jeff hands them out drives at least the number of players who end up in each tribe. What do you all think of that???? I’m definitely a production skeptic…. but I *love* this show. I never miss an episode. Nice recap Cho. 🙂
Hey Toes. Thank you so much for coming here to discuss the episode. I really appreciate when other super fans are as excited about discussion as I am! I actually LOVE the concept of Ghost Island. The whole revisiting past players and roasting the fuck out of their games is really cheeky and fun to me.
That being said, I also am skeptical of production. Whenever there’s a lack of consistency with a twist like this, I get really sketched out… Why was Jacob given an advantage but not the last two? It’s alarming to me. In terms of your theory on switches, I’m unsure how driven that can be by production. I do think it’s truly random.
The saving part is interesting. I like the fact that an enemy tribe can save someone from the opposing tribe. However, going to Ghost Island also puts a target on them, hence Jacob. It’s really dynamic.
When on Ghost Island it looks like they have to break and take the next consecutive scroll. When the first person was sent there I thought they could break whichever they wanted. I think it might be more interesting if they did I that way.
Yeah, but the way they do it now gives them ultimate control over the twists and allows them the opportunity to intervene. I wish it were different too.
Thank you Cho for your interesting recap.
I agree Daintyfeet, it is a little too early for me to form a decent decision on who I like. Dom has no credibility. The KY guy is not my cup of tea and I am from KY. He is not a dumb as he pretends and he is not the only guy man in KY and KY has a diverse population even back in the hills . He was not born on an island and I am not buying what he is selling.
I do like James..so far at least.
Not a big fan of the ghost island concept. Chew, swallow repeat. I like new ideas and new challenges. Are they running out of ideas ?
Domenick has overplayed so much. It’s too bad, because I think his social game is decent. He just follows through with the most ridiculous lies to try to fool people about his idol.
Interesting take on Donathan. You think he’s selling snake oil to the viewers? He probably relishes in the spot light. I’m buying the story so far, but we shall see. I’ve been to Newport KY and it’s pretty freaking cool actually. I wonder how others feel about Donathan’s take on his home state!
In terms of the challenges, they’re definitely running out of ideas. They recycle a lot of challenges early on, but hopefully later there are new ones!
Thanks Cho 🙂
So I am were I usually am, confused about the game.
But liking the scenery and people much more and just going to have fun with that.
Comes down to two people anyhow (or is it 3?) Lol, anyway thanks for the recap.
Oh, yeah Sebastian is kinda cute. 😉
Haha well I’m here to help clear your mind! The tribal switch is always a confusing time I get it.
I’m obsessed with Sebastian. It’s not healthy. haha Don’t you love those shorts?!
I remembered you had an appreciation for Sebastian, and his shorts.
I just saw everyone, and people I never remember seeing last week, and didn’t notice truly Sebastian has lovely eyes. (And great shorts 😉)
Oh yeah, I love his eyes too. And the braid was cute too. I don’t know why it reminded me of Kim Kardashian and when she got braids. I remember it being controversial for some reason, because people said her wearing braids was appropriation. Well, my Sea Bass can wear whatever he wants as long as he’s wearing those shorts!!
I really needed this recap because I was deeply confused at tribal council about who voted whom out. It’s funny that the four underdogs stuck together and the old tribe gave up their number advantage.
What I missed somehow was why Mololo wanted Morgan out. Morgan was genuinely reaching out to Mololo. It seemed to me that getting out Angela would have been in everyone’s best interest!
As for the Legacy advantage, IIRC it is simply an extra vote that can only be used when there are six or 13 people at tribal. It might be a CANCELLING someone elses vote thing but that is basically the same thing.
James wanted Morgan out to weaken Domenick’s position. Remember, no one trusts Domenick and no one likes Chris. With Morgan out, it keeps Chris vs Domenick as well as Angela vs Wendell/Domenick essentially guaranteeing that Mololo makes it out of this switch alive and in tact. That is of course… if Domenick’s idol doesn’t throw a wrench into things. Angela would have been the easy unanimous vote sure, but booting Morgan weakened how well Domenick can play his idol.
Risky move for sure, but I’m thinking it pays off for James and Libby.
I will have to double check, but I think the Legacy Advantage is basically a hidden immunity idol that must be played at Final 13 (approximate time of a merge) or Final 6, two pivotal moments in the game.
Yeah, I think I had it confused a voting reward.
I still feel like it was stupid not to get rid of Chris’s sidekick. No one really listens to Domenick.
I soon as I hit post, I realize no one really listed to Chris either. He going to come back PISSED.
Oh, I know enough about what is going on to realize everyone shook on it, agreed with Chris about Dom being voted out.
Not only will he be mad at Angela, but everyone else basically laughed in his face while he is “centering” at Ghost Island, thinking he’s running things.
SURPRISE CHRIS!!!
Chris is gonna be LIVID and I just can’t wait to see his reaction! I really don’t like him. I bet he throws a temper tantrum.
LOL You think no one listens to Domenick? No one REALLY listens to Chris. I fully think he would have been voted out almost unanimously had he not been saved by Ghost Island.
Just imagine: Chris is going to come back. Angela will be in tears because all of her tribemates voted against her. Ironically, it will only push Angela and Chris closer together. It’s just going to be a hot hot mess now.
Booting Angela in a unanimous vote would have been the simplest thing to do. If they lose again, they vote Chris off unanimously. Lose again, then Mololo has the 4-3 advantage still.
However, now they can work around Domenick’s idol, since he has less numbers to work with to use it effectively. It was a high level move. One thing’s for sure, the players this season are extra af!
Ive watched faithfully since Season 1 and in recent years i usually don’t “know” most of the players unless they stand out until it gets down around 10.
I wish they would do some of the “old school” mind fucks, like having each tribe choose a person and that person takes their stuff thinking it’s either gonna be a swap or Meetup but either way it’s gonna cause hurts feels deciding who to choose. The chosen two get a lux nite and a chance to bond and talk about their tribes, make alliance etc, maybe they will get to choose who gets to swap from each tribe (themselves or someone else).
Maybe a hidden advantage where the bearer has to announce they have it at the next challenge. Jeff will explain if their team wins the bearer gets to vote at the other teams TC. If their team looses the bearer looses their vote at tc or gets an automatic vote against them. That could really fuck with their minds in the challenge and these advantages don’t always have to be good😉
Omg you ARE an old-schooler, because that is such a neat twist that you describe. I feel like they used to do things like that more often. Or even fake merges (Season 5 Thailand and the fake merge that led to Shii-Ann getting booted).
Your second twist sounds fun too! They’ve actually had some twists where enemy tribes have been able to sit in during an enemy tribal council, but never where they get to participate.
They have been trying to add the “not necessarily good” advantages as of late. Remember the Car Curse Reward??? Cindy from Season 11 Guatemala who didn’t give away 3 cars, instead keeping 1 for herself, then they all voted her off?! haha GOOD TIMES!
I still don’t know everyone’s names yet. I may be the odd one out but I like Chris. I do hope he comes back refocused after reflecting while away. I like Donathan and Wendell. I can’t stand Dom.
Yeah, even I am having some trouble remembering a few people. Did you know that there’s a Chelsea playing the game this season?! 🙂
I am not a fan of Domenick either. Hopefully Chris’ time on Ghost Island was positive and that he turns his game around for the better. That’s why I like twists like that. We get to really focus on one character and their thoughts. I hope many different people are sent there this season for that reason.
Me neither. I won’t till they get in much smaller groups.
I generally only know people with interesting names or villains.
In the beginning I don’t remember names they’re all just a bunch of people to me. However Chris Dom & Donathon are the “standouts” to me right now.
Chris- love him! And yes my views of him changed during his time on ghost island. Before that, it wasn’t that he was aggressive about his views but he was so damn adamant about it, like he wasn’t open to any other thoughts. Then he went and broke down & showed he cares!
Domenick—they have referred to him as Dom right? He’s someone I love to hate. From the beginning when he called out Chris for making the wrong decision, I just didn’t like that.
Donathon- is it mean if I ask if he has a twin brother named Jonathon?
As for the challenges, my favorite parts are the rewards!
Chris definitely has potential to be a dynamic character. His emotional scene on Ghost Island definitely softened his image in my eyes. Hopefully he can use that moment as motivation for him to do better in the game. Right now, he seems very aggressive.
I also love hating Domenick. It’s not a strong hate btw, just he’s so easy to dislike in a fun way. I hope he sticks around, because I just know if he does, he’ll make more blunders. haha
Donathan is a sweet heart, but I have to admit, I absolutely hate his name. It’s so hard to type correctly without thinking it’s a different more popular name. lol
I have a certain desire for Dom to do well. I’m kind of rooting for him but not like I am rooting for James. Dom makes me cringe with his mistakes and I keep thinking he is smarter than this! His crappy fake idols and his overplaying his hand are examples of rookie mistakes. I feel like he could do better but will be an early boot. I like to see older guys do better.
I also like to see the older cast members in general do well. I definitely want Dom to stick around so that we can hopefully see his game evolve. He definitely has the hustle to give us some flashy (and correct) moves!
James is definitely an early favorite of mine. It helps that he’s super hot. Morgan’s exit interview was VERY shady towards him and Chelsea. She said James felt threatened because he’s so weak in challenges compared to her. I rolled my eyes so hard but also gasped at how bitter she sounded. She said Chelsea does absolutely nothing. lol