By Survivor Guest Correspondent Cho
I barely made it to Survivor on time tonight, and I’m still catching my breath! The title of this episode is called “A Diamond in the Rough” which makes me think it’s going to focus on a surprisingly positive player! I spoke to some twitter friends recently, and they are having trouble watching the episodes online for some reason. Are you one of those people?! If so, you DEFINITELY need to have read my last recap before reading the current episode. Now let’s figure out who the diamond in the rough is!
TLDW
We immediately see the post-tribal council fall out where Michael tried to pull a fast one with his fake double idol. Bradley was scared shitless and now fears Michael as a player. Expect our resident douchebag to rally the troops to target him for the rest of the game. I can’t roll my eyes hard enough. Michael feels really bad for not playing his idol correctly but takes it as a learning experience to do better in the game.
The reward challenge ends as quickly as it begins. One minute we are watching Michael’s hot body pick up sandbags and literally the next, we see Chris dominating the rest of the challenge. Jeff congratulates him on an impressive win, and we find out he used to be a baseball player. Did you catch that shady camera shot of Domenick grimacing after Chris was praised? Chris goes on this long self-indulgent confessional where describes himself as a diamond in the rough. Seriously?! I’ve now rewatched that confessional 5 times, and I still don’t understand what he’s saying. What I do know is that he is one cocky hunk. SIGH!
Stephanie is randomly chosen for Ghost Island and doesn’t get a chance to play a game. I really hate that Ghost Island is inconsistent. Anyone else annoyed?! If anyone deserved to play a game, it was Stephanie, because she needs it for the next tribal council! We do learn that she left the Mormon religion and her husband within 6 months which dramatically changed her life. She details how hard it has been adjusting to being a single mother, but that she remains both resilient and optimistic. Stephanie is truly an inspiration, and I don’t just mean her obnoxiously bright pants either!
Naviti gets back to their camp to enjoy their reward of cinnamon buns and coffee. James reminds us how useful Chris is for his alliance since he’s super strong but also willing to turn on Wendell and Domenick. The coffee and treats make Donathan really home sick, so Chris seizes this opportunity to connect with him on a deeper level. They discuss having family members in assisted living and how tough it is to be away from them. Wow! Is this Chris being genuine and trying to build a true bond with someone else outside of barking orders at them? Maybe he really is a diamond in the rough?! Donathan second-guesses Laurel’s idea to align with Wendell and Dom against Chris. I’m impressed!
The immunity challenge is much more interesting than the reward challenge. Basically, tribe members race out into the water to retrieve puzzle pieces with a body board. Their tribe reels them back in, and they have to solve the puzzle afterwards. This is called “Survivor Surfing!” The challenge is very mundane in practice but looks impressive from the viewer’s perspective! Desiree has trouble getting onto the board and is barely able to hang on as she is dragged under the water!! Chelsea also has trouble surfing putting Mololo behind. Luckily for them, they have puzzle masters Bradley and Kellyn working for them. They end up completely bridging the gap and catching up to Domenick and James. We have a short showdown, but Naviti ends up winning. Chris screams: “We got the puzzle! We got the puzzle!” I’m just as surprised as he is.
What a crushing loss for Mololo. Kellyn ends up taking the blame for not having gotten the puzzle for her team. The scheming begins on which original Mololo to pick off. Jenna decides that the key to her surviving is to work on correcting her bitch face and flirting with Sebastian. I’m not kidding. This IS Sebastian, my lover boy, so this strategy may actually pay off for Jenna! They flirt on the beach, and Sebastian says he’s going to keep her in the game as long as she keeps on flirting.
Kellyn and Chelsea think that Jenna is the weakest and should go, but Desiree and Sebastian argue that Stephanie is a much bigger strategic threat. Stephanie gets to work on Bradley and apologizes for throwing him under the bus at the previous tribal council. She admits that she doesn’t like sucking up to him but that she’s playing the game for her children. Bradley prefers that everyone boot Michael as the biggest threat. Didn’t I just predict this 30 minutes ago? Basically, Naviti is NOT on the same page whatsoever. We get lots of sad confessionals from Michael and Stephanie. They both get crying confessionals, so does this mean Jenna goes? It’s so hard to watch them be this frustrated. Desiree aggressively goes through Stephanie’s bag to see if she picked up an advantage while she was away on Ghost Island. We’re left not knowing who they decided on as a group.
Tribal Council is sooo grim. It’s hard to watch Stephanie, Jenna and Michael’s expressions. Michael touts his strength in challenges and that he should be kept over Jenna and Stephanie. Jeff reminds them that Michael tried to pull a fast one in the last tribal, making him a strategic threat. Michael says he’s going to prove his loyalty by competing hard in the challenges.
Stephanie gets a triggering question about why she needs to stay in the game. With tears in her eyes, she tells everyone that she’s out here competing for her children and the ability to grow personally. She gives a compelling statement about how her bonds in the game are strong and she wants to stay.
Jenna gets her turn to plead her case. She admits that she usually has her guard up but that she’s genuinely trying her best to correct that personality trait. Sebastian of course chimes in that he appreciates Jenna and her efforts at trying to create real bonds.
We finally get to the vote, and I’m simply heart broken. Desiree receives a vote, and one after another, votes are read for Stephanie. Everyone’s heads are down in shame. Kellyn has tears in her eyes, and Jenna seems to be sobbing. Stephanie leaves quietly, but not without a bit of heroic music. BRING HER BACK!
Next Time On Survivor: Chris and Domenick still hate each other; Jenna and Michael are on the chopping block next; but surprise, everyone’s dropping their buffs!!
Cho’s Top Takeaways
Alliance-Strong or Tribe-Strong?
As we head towards the end of the post-switch tribal phase of this season, we are reminded of one key conundrum faced by the survivors: “do we vote to keep our entire tribe strong or do we vote to keep only our alliance strong?” Voting out your strongest non-ally might get rid of a threat, but without their strength, you’re less likely to win challenges. On the other hand, you don’t want to keep players in the game that will undermine you later. This episode, the Naviti 5 obviously had to choose between Jenna, Michael or Stephanie and consider the pros and cons of each. It appears to me that they chose Stephanie as a middle of the road option. She’s not as strong in challenges as Michael, but she’s more of a threat than Jenna. Her strategic mind and zealousness for the game is what lead to her demise, but I want to hear your thoughts in comments below. If you were apart of the Naviti alliance, which of the three would you have preferred to vote off and why?
The Diamond In The Rough
Chris continues to get preferential editing treatment from CBS over the last few episodes. They are trying really hard to not make him so one-dimensional. Yes, we know he has a knack for being a bossy arrogant asshole. We know that his social game is trash. But he has a mom. He cries! He’s human! They are definitely sprinkling in more of his human side these days and giving us hope that he has the ability to change his ways. While his incentive to approach Donathan seemed strategic, I think his actual conversation was genuine. Do we think he’s being edited to overcome his arch nemesis, Domenick? What do you think? Are you warming up to Chris?
Those were my top takeaways, but I’m more interested in what yours were! Do you feel like you’re getting to know the characters better? Who are your favorites and least favorites? Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments below!
Please No Spoilers In Comments
This was a fantastic recap, and an entertaining episode. But I have to say I was SO SAD to see _______ (no spoilers in comments) go! UGH!!!!
Susan, you are welcome to discuss tonight’s boot. Just nothing from the FUTURE!
But yes, I am literally still sad about it all. :'( I was hoping it would be Jenna leaving.
So glad that Michael made it through. I am definitely Team Michael now, although I am still mourning the loss of Brendan.
Desiree going through Stephanie’s bag was very upsetting to me. Not cool.
Bradley needs to go. He is just weird.
I like Laurel but she is definitely staying under the radar.
I am warming up to Chris a bit but probably because I hate Domenick so much. I could tell right away he was a baseball player/pitcher having sat through many years of Little League games, ha, ha. It will be interesting to see what side Donathan chooses.
Stephanie was a threat and Jenna is a mouse so they can get rid of her any time. They need Michael for the challenges And I hope he sticks around.
I’m finding Sebastian less attractive as the days go on. I can’t tell most of the other women apart. Just a bunch of skinny blondes with big teeth.
Ghost Island is stupid. Nothing is really happening there. It’s boring.
I am so sick of puzzles.
Omg Mary, I think we have pretty similar tastes so far. Michael is oh so yummy and such a great contender. He has a lot of heart and will definitely fight hard to stay in the game.
I also found it striking that Desiree would search through Stephanie’s bag. I don’t think there was editorial intent to make her look bad, but I don’t think she looks good doing it… lol I think Sebastian has a WEIRD look, which is why I find him to be oh so attractive. His jaw seems to stick out.
In regards to Chris vs Domenick, I’m BACK to #TeamChris after this episode. I feel like I flip flop every episode. I’m sure Chris will give me a reason to hate him more than I hate Domenick in the next episode. lol
Don’t even get me started on Ghost Island. It’s so silly and contrived at this point. The lack of consistency is killing it. The only thing it gives us is special insight into a single Survivor, which has been very nice so far.
Desiree wasn’t doing anything wrong—in Survivor world. Some people hide the idol on them, some put it in an out of the way tree or they bury it because they know their bags aren’t off limits.
Also, great recaps Cho! I enjoy reading them very much. ??
Wow thank you so much. I really appreciate it. The comments motivate me to do better and better. Please do feel free to give me suggestions and tips. I can take a few whips believe me. I AM blogging for Tamara after all! <3
heh. You love being chained to the radiator!
And Desiree needed to chose a two piece with a support bra. IJS.
Her boobs are out of control. hahaha
“Jeff reminds them that Michael tried to pull a fast one in the last tribal, making him a strategic threat. Michael says he’s going to prove his loyalty by competing hard in the challenges”
I had a totally different take on this. I thought Jeff was trying to SAVE Michael at TC. He’s a physical help! He’s a strategic help! Is what I heard.
Then the drop the buff thing for next week reinforced that. When production wants to help someone out who is on the bottom? Time to drop those buffs and hope for the best…
Yeah I could see that being the case now that you say that. I’ve spoken to many people over the last few weeks in real life, and Michael appears to be growing in popularity fast!
We will see how he does moving forward now that we have a twist that can save him!
I liked your recap too. Is it strange that I watch the show but still read the entire recap? I guess I’m looking for humorous comments by the recapper.
I like Michael and Donathan. I like Dom and Chris too. But I wonder if that’s the real Chris that we saw in his diary after the challenge, when he over congratulated himself. Or maybe he was just really excited?
I too have to wait til many have been voted off before I can tell some of the girls apart. And I think some of them don’t get as much camera time as others so I don’t really even know who they all are yet. For example the girl that went out twice to be pulled back in on the Boogie Board. And did they have to send her out a second time? She was so tired.
Sebastian is very unique looking. His eye brows are very distracting to me. I’m not a big fan of uni-brows but I can not get used to men who have their eye brows arched, and pointy on the ends. Guess I’m getting old.
Thank you so much for stopping by and not only reading but also leaving a comment! It’s appreciated! I think Chris was just super excited, because he win that challenge so fast. Jeff highlighting him in front of everyone probably gave him a boost in confidence… not that he needs it! haha
Yeah, that’s Chelsea that they sent out twice. I think their idea was to send out the smallest so that they could pull them faster.
Sebastian’s eyebrows are quite a highlight! He could definitely be a model of some sort. He’s just kind of short. Probably couldn’t do too much runway. I don’t like eyebrows on guys that are heavily manicured either. You’re not alone.
Few thoughts – broken record here, but Ghost Island is a bust so far. Just so boring and I don’t think it’s having an impact on the game. I am team Dominick – I can’t get my head around Chris. And, did anyone else think that perhaps he was lying to Donathon? Playing him for loyalty? I don’t know, after watching his confessoinal interview and all that crap he was saying about himself, I just don’t think he’s genuine. Sebastian is weird and his look kind of creeps me out. I liked Steph more than Jenna, but I think it was the best strategic move. Jenna is harmless and has no social game compared to Steph who was playing far more strategically. Finally, I am still finding this season on giant bore. I don’t like the characters and they all run togheter. There aren’t enough strong personalities and really the only rivalary is Chris v Dominick. I’m looking forward to next week and the drop the buffs…. changing it up again might help create more interesting game play.
Thanks for the thoughts. so you’re still #TeamDomenick. I get that. I bounce back and forth all the time. I also had my suspicions about Chris talking to Donathan. He literally seeks Donathan out because it’s a good opportunity for his game. He says this much, but I think it turned out to be a genuine connection. We’ll see how long it lasts though.
I think this season is slow to get off the ground. I think the next twist will add some needed excitement and definitely drama.
I am sorry – I am about to do something really annoying and mention my health. I can’t help it – Chris is just so gross.
I am a single mum of a little boy and I have MS. If I raise him to be such a douchenozzle that he bitches about my condition and uses it to garner sympathy on national, no make that international television, I will have 2 weeks to live. I get the whole ‘Grandma is at home drinking a beer and wants me to win a million bucks’, but somethings are not for sale.
Not to mention, MS doesn’t even work the way he is implying, and he is disseminating fear and myth about the illness.
End rant. I think these two last episodes should have been on one night. Bor-ing! But great recap Cho. A lot of cool detail.
Thank you for your comments! Wishing you much health and recovery in all aspects of your life.
I always feel a bit conflicted when people bring up the medical conditions of their family members. On one hand, I get them wanting to express themselves and their motivations. On the other hand, I also wouldn’t want to be used as a crutch or a talking point for a family member on some game show.
I think it’s hard to make these episodes exciting from an editorial standpoint, because literally nothing interesting is happening in the game besides the original Mololo getting picked off. We’ve been teased so much about Domenick vs Chris, and that seems to be the only single story-line right now. I think the next shake up will provide some entertainment. Stick around! <3
Thanks for the great recap, Cho! My cable is out until Saturday when the cable repair guy can come here. They best get it fixed before the first Astro game!! I can watch “Good Girls” and “Survivor” on demand but not the game…there’s always the radio!
Anyway , your recap was sooo good and sooo welcome. Donatha is my favorite. If Stephanie is the one who whined all the way to ghost island and all the time she was there, I’m not sorry to see her go!
Thanks again!!!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful compliments. Let me know if there’s ever anything you want to see this season. Maybe a ranking of the final tribe members for example? Who is your cable provider? I have AT&T, and they tend to be OK except every once in a while my HD channels will go out for an update. Coincidentally, it’s always during an episode of Survivor. DOH! It’s like, wtf can’t they do those updates at 3am when every sane adult is asleep?!
I LOVE Donathan. He is very endearing and seems genuine. He’s definitely out of his element, but I know this is a growing experience for him. He just favorited one of my tweets recently!
Cho- thank you again for your recap and insight. I live with my parents because of an illness and disability. Neither one of them watch Survivor so having an outlet like TT ( thank you Tamara, you have the best interactive recap site)gives me the chance to comment and hear other POV’s. I like Chris much more when he doesn’t talk game strategy. Maybe it’s just me but he gets better looking every week.
Wow this is so touching to hear. I think everyone needs healthy outlets to express themselves and share ideas. Thank you for engaging with the community here. It is truly appreciated.
Now onto to the more important part of your message: YES CHRIS IS GETTING HOTTER TO ME TOO. Maybe that’s why I’m #TeamChris this week? I don’t know. I’m trying to resist.
Sebastian is still my lover boy despite everyone in the comments dogging his looks. Anyway, I’m done objectifying men for the night. Be back on duty tomorrow bright and early! <3
I feel like this is a safe place for me to admit, Chris’s hotness is getting to me too. I keep trying to root for Dom for some reason. But did you see Chris throwing? It made me want to do nasty things to him.
Screen shotting this to show how WEAK you are. Join the rest of us heathens who are rooting for Chris for the wrong reasons. I told myself I’d resist last night, but it’s a new day.
I watched Chris throw those balls 3 times. I watched very closely. Sorry in advance for late recaps. This will be my excuse.
I really like Donathan. He is sooo open to embracing new people and experiences. I almost cried, last week, when he finally dove down to release the balls underwater because his team mate could not. Donathan kept saying “I can’t, I can’t.” but he did it! I think it was a huge, confidence building, moment for him. It was also great when his tribe gave him the hero’s welcome afterward.
I love observing someone, who seems somewhat tentative, experience such a great confidence boost. It’s heart warming and I believe, it could even be life changing.
You hit the nail right on the head. I think Donathan is used to feeling “less than” in his real life despite him having an exuberant larger than life personality. If nothing else, I want this experience to be one of growth and confidence in his own abilities. I think once he realizes the positive impact his story has on others, he will have new perspective on life. It’s touching.
Btw, thanks for commenting on this recap. I really appreciate the engagement!
Am I the only one that doesn’t believe a thing Donathan says?
No, you are not. I have read other comments here suggesting that he is somewhat of an actor when it comes to his background and life’s circumstances. I look beyond whether he is genuine or not and use my suspension of disbelief to appreciate the story as given regardless of if he’s being 100% true or not.
This is a SAFE PLACE, speak your mind. Everyone except Kerry thinks Sebastian is ugly which hurts my feelings so deeply, but I will continue to recap anyway! lol
Cho- Sebastian is still incredibly attractive even though he has been unable to shave, pluck or bathe. Just imagine him clean shaven, hair pulled back and in a sexy tux. BTW- I’ve always found surfers very sexy.
Thank you Kerry for validating my obsession with Sebastian. There needs to be more friends like you in the world. That’s the thing about surfers guys: they look good casual but also seeing them dressed up and “putting effort in” to their style looks amazing too!
I listened to him describe a typical day in his life back home. He literally has the most laid back life ever.
Chris is total eye candy. His team would be nothing without him. Hope he stays longer. This season is not as exciting somehow….dont know maybe the casting was not good enough as there are a lot of people barely speaking up or doing something elaborate as we have had in seasons in the past. I will watch Survivor regardless until the end of time! Love that show.
I’m hoping Chris stays longer at this point as well. I want him to make the merge. Here’s the thing though: Chris hasn’t had to go to a really tough Tribal Council yet. We will see how he reacts to the game getting tough. And he knows Domenick is coming after him.
Dont’ give up hope Mrs. K. we are all in this together. It was really tough editing these last two episodes considering literally nothing interesting happened. With the next twist, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss!
Great recap Cho! If I was playing I would do my best to ally myself with Chris and start working on soothing his arrogance and making his personality more palatable. I am good at that (Secondary School Teacher), he is a competitions beast, I think we would do well together.
I will never understand why a weak team ALWAYS wants to vote off their strongest players. Makes no logical sense. They are looking too far ahead. I know they give the excuse of not facing the strong player after merge but that does them no good if the go to merge with no tribe-mates. Just a dumb way to play.
Hey cr2! Thanks so much for the compliment. I love doing recaps here. It’s soc much fun engaging with everyone. Secondary School Teacher means you have a lot of experience coaxing the emotions of others! haha How long have you been teaching?
Yes, getting rid of the strongest players at the beginning isn’t a strategy that always pays off. However, the problem is that for the first like 20 seasons, we saw strong competitors waltz to the end untouched. I think within the culture of Survivor, players are just perceive that as inevitable which is why they target the strong so early.
Cho I taught Social Studies 31 years and I have retired so I wouldn’t be on Survivor now. I would die the first day!! LOL I think after watching since season 1 I would still keep strong player till after merge THEN try to vote them out ASAP. Just MHO.
Oh wow Social Studies for 31 years. Thank you for your time as an educator!
I happen to agree with you. That would be my goal too depending on circumstances.
Ghost Island is a total bust so far!! I think everyone who goes there should get something, whether an idol, advantage or even some kind’ve food. Chris slaughtered the end of that competition, I love his excitement.
Bitchin’ recap, Cho!
Hey Liz! First of all, thank you for your comment!
I would agree that Ghost Island is a fucking disaster right now. After the premiere, I was SO excited to see various old twists come back into play. the theme was very exciting and promising. However, the lack of consistency has totally destroyed the twist. Who gets to play a game and why? Does everyone get to skip TC or not and why? There’s literally no rhyme or reason to the twist and it’s so disappointing, because I had such high hopes.
Also, I’m loving the direction Chris is going in. His edit has been so interesting. And he’s so hot too… 🙂
Thanks again. I hope you come back to engage in discussion more!
I just watched the last half. It’s been frozen at 25:18 on demand since last week.
I actually didn’t read the recap, or do anything to see who left. For a whole week. (I should have, instead of waiting, lol)
Next time just read my recap. It was better than last episode anyway. haha