By Survivor Guest Correspondent Cho
Okay y’all it’s finally here: THE MERGE! If you haven’t read my last post where I analyze every remaining castaway, stop what you’re doing and go read that now. Ok, are you ready? Let’s go!!
Too Long Didn’t Watch
Right off the bat, we are reminded that Dom is armed with many allies, a hidden immunity idol and the legacy advantage. We see everyone on a boat ride to the merge camp. They end up going to the Naviti camp, which is the best beach out there. The merge feast looks so freaking amazing! Dom makes this speech about how amazing it is to be there with everyone, and Chris immediately follows up with a speech of his own. They really are insistent on measuring their dicks against each other. I’m SO over this alpha male competition and can’t wait for it to hopefully be over by the end of the episode!
Chris ends up picking a random buff at the feast that reveals that there’s a secret at treemail. There’s an idol at Ghost Island but can only be gotten at night. A boat will pick Chris up and he’ll be gone for several hours. He’s willing to risk it all, because he thinks he’ll be a threat anyway. I don’t think he’s wrong.
The core of Naviti get together, and Wendell wants them to all work to get rid of Michael or Libby so he’s trying to mediate the brewing tension between Dom and Chris. He sits both of them down, and the peace talks do not go well at all! Chris completely shuts down their proposition to have peace, refusing to outright target Libby, Jenna or Michael. In a confessional, Wendell declares war against Chris, while Chris says he’s too suave for Wendell and Dom’s bullshit.
It’s night time, and Chris’ boat is ready to transport him to Ghost Island. It’s so creepy seeing Ghost Island at night. Once he gets there, we see J.T.’s Hidden Immunity idol that he left at camp during tribal council, the epitome of being cocky, before being blindsided. How ironic would it be if Chris got blindsided in similar fashion. I mean, he would be the one to not reverse this curse. There’s a twist to this idol though: the idol only lasts one night, but if he risks his vote at the next council, he can potentially gain more rounds to use the idol. There’s a 50% chance each time he picks a bamboo. Chris ends up losing his vote for this tribal council, but can use his idol at one of the next two.
Back at camp, Dom accuses Chris of bossing people around while being lazy. Chris campaigns to Laurel, Angela and Desiree while Domenick campaigns to Libby and Jenna. We get multiple scenes of them both trashing each other in confessionals and to others. This is so intense.
When Jenna and Libby are alone, they talk honestly: Libby says that Chris is more of a straight shooter where as Dom is more likely to lie to others. She’s not wrong. Jenna is very happy that the attention is off of Mololo for once and that they have some amount of influence over who leaves between Chris and Dom.
We get to the immunity challenge which is obviously balance and endurance based. The individual immunity necklace looks basic as fuck. Yes, I said it. You thought it. Jenna, Donathan, Desiree and Angela quickly drop out during the first 5 minute round. They have 15 seconds to transition to the next balance beam without dropping their tiki. Sebastian drops out during the next 5 minute interval. Domenick, Michael, Chris, Laurel and Wendell all end up being unable to make the transition. Chelsea, Libby and Kellyn are on the final balance beam! The wind looks to be blowing so hard that it’s giving me anxiety. Chelsea finally drops! Kellyn has the ugliest grimace on her face as she struggles to keep her tiki still, and I’m just so stressed out. Kellyn ends up winning with a round of applause.
Brace yourselves! THIS is when the drama begins! Chris ends up taking EVERYONE to the well besides Domenick and Wendell to try to split the vote between those two! This is so hilariously stupid watching a line of 11 people walk to the water well. Chris calls it a full-proof plan, which means it will undoubtedly fail. Wendell and Dom realize that they’re alone which pisses Wendell off. He reveals his idol to Domenick and promises that they can use it together. He says it’s in his pocket? How is it in his pocket?! Did he deconstruct the entire necklace?!
Donathan tells Dom the split-vote plan and that he and Laurel are on board for Chris. Dom is shocked to hear from him that he shouldn’t trust Jenna and Libby who seem to be on board to vote Dom out. The Naviti girls: Kellyn, Desiree, Angela and Chelsea think they should pull a fast one on the boys during all the confusion and simply vote Libby out instead. Kellyn and Desiree make A LOT of sense here! That would be a masterful move in the midst of this stupid chaos. They say Libby is someone that will be hard to boot later, so why not take the chance now while they have the vote split.
There are so many potential idols in play: Chris, Dom, Wendell and Michael with all of them feeling like they might need to use it tonight. Everyone packs up for tribal council with no one knowing what the hell is going to happen. Will idols be played? Will Chris or Dom go home? Will we simply revert back to a Mololo boot in Libby or Michael? I can barely hold my glass of beer, because I’m shaking. Let’s find out…
We get to tribal council, and we’re reminded that this is Chris’ first time ever visiting Tribal Council. Donathan says how mind boggling it is to keep track of the social connections after switching so much. I totally agree with him, and I’m not even out there. Sebastian’s long hair is absolutely GORGEOUS! I paused my screen for a solid 2 minutes to stare.
Domenick owns up to how horrible of a mistake he made on Day 1 with criticizing Chris. He then gives us a recap of their entire feud and reveals that this is a showdown. Chris reminds us how disloyal Dom has been after coming back to camp to Angela being blindsided. Chris is not lying about this. They did betray Angela first. How quickly these sheep have forgotten. Angela says that there are big plans but she doesn’t know how many little plans there are. Chris gives a big speech about trusting your gut, and I hope his is telling him to play the idol. We head into the vote.
Domenick literally YELLS his vote for Chris and I laugh out loud while his tribemates squirm from embarrassment. These two guys are so annoying. Wendell tells Chris to stop rapping, put the pen down, he’s garbage etc! Oh my God Wendell snatches all of Chris’ edges with his vote! THE SHADE! Domenick ends up playing his Legacy Advantage to remain safe. If Chris doesn’t play his idol, he’s an idiot. Because he’s an idiot, he doesn’t play his idol. Jeff reads 2 votes for Chris… 2 votes for Libby… and the rest goes towards Chris! You don’t get poetic justice as juicy as this y’all.
Next Time On Survivor: Laurel is upset that Wendell and Domenick didn’t clue her in on their litany of hidden immunity idols and advantages. Also, we get a classic gross food eating challenge where the survivors literally eat eyeballs.
Cho’s Top Takeaways
An Ode To Chris
I know you’re probably sick of hearing about Chris, but it’s almost over! What we should really take away from Chris’ ouster tonight is the danger of being overconfident. Chris is like Bradley but way less smart. Chris spent his entire time out on the island attempting to steam roll his competition: he over-talked, over-competed, over-compensated and over-did every aspect of the game. I think this is in part due to his personality. He’s just one of those type A alpha male pricks that can’t help himself. The worst part about Chris as a character this season is that his anger and vitriol towards Dom is 100% justified: he IS a sneak; he IS untrustworthy; and he IS a threat to win the game. Chris’ awful social game is what prevented him from being a worthy adversary of Dom. Survivor is not designed for people like him to do well. Bonus: take a look at sexy Chris not taking Wendell’s advice.
The Naviti Girls Alliance
If you were paying attention, you can connect Libby receiving 2 votes from Angela and Desiree to the Naviti girls alliance. They had the right rationale behind targeting her and their serious consideration to place a plurality of votes onto Libby should be noted. I knew that Kellyn was a thinker, but to see all 4 of those ladies working together to formulate some high-end strategic thinking was impressive to me. What were your thoughts on this undercover plan?
Libby’s Paradox
Libby is in quite the pickle of a paradox! Everyone views her as threat due to her charm and persuasive abilities. However, she has very few allies and hasn’t she shown any of these abilities yet. As I mentioned in my last post, I think this perception has been wrongly placed. She has her original allies Michael and Jenna working with her. She potentially has Sebastian who is connected to Jenna. But… that’s it! We see that she doesn’t even have Donathan or Laurel who immediately threw her under the bus to Domenick which makes her very little of a threat to anyone right now. What are your thoughts on Libby’s position as a player?
Letting The Dust Settle
As I predicted, the war between Dom and Chris was severely one-sided with Chris being the obvious loser. All the potential allies and influence he had was lost due to Dom’s superior social game. The more interesting question is where do we go from here? Lines were definitely not drawn quite yet since no one was on Chris’ side. Will we see Naviti solidify back as a core group to pick of the Mololos or will Dom and Wendell be challenged as the power couple that they currently are?
I’m going to end it here before I ramble on for too long! What were your top takeaways from the merge episode?! Did I miss any important notes? Do let me know all of your opinions in the comments below!
Please No Spoilers In Comments
I loved this episode although I was expecting a lot more idols to be played. I was SO WORRIED FOR WENDALL!
But let’s start with the immunity challenge. It was interesting production went with a balancing game. While Survivor is not allowed to rig the game for a particular winner, the have full freedom to do whatever challenge they would like for immunity as long as people have an equal shot in the game. But balancing challenges strongly favor female winners. And that one Asian guy that one season who could balance on one toe with a tray with fifty thousand glasses perched on top of his head for like two weeks. So clearly they didn’t want Dom or Chris to win. If it is a balance challenge and there is an option to opt out for pizza male players should take the pizza every time. So immunity went to someone who was not in danger to maximize drama. That said, kudos to Kellyn on the win. It’s not an easy win for girls either. It’s just way too hard for men especially big guys.
Okay on to the tribal. It’s a showdown between Dom and Chris as far as most people know. Also Dom and Wendell have been told the plan is to split the vote. Donathan let’s them both know that people seem willing to follow Chris’s plan and get Dom out. So both Dom and Wendall should have played their idols. And dumbass Chris should have played his too. That is what I was expecting. I was dying to find out what would happen if those three were the only ones with votes and they all played an idol. I believe they would have all been safe and they would have voted again for anyone but the three idol players and Kellyn who had immunity. Or if the four girls went rogue and voted for Libby, then Libby would have gone home. I think the girls must have figured out that with 13 votes, four votes for Libby would not have made a difference because that would leave 9 votes with a potential for five for one of the targets and four for the other. At best they could have forced a tie.
What I don’t understand is why two people still voted for Libby. Did the other two get left out to dry? Because now that the Chris and Dom showdown is over, it’s time for the girls to start eliminating each other. Because bitches can’t ever get along. I think Libby is a huge target because she is REALLY pretty. She is also a Trump supporter and if she is stupid enough to say that to any of the others, that also gives her a big target. And of course she was on the worst team in Survivor history with Michael. I didn’t like Wendell bringing up Michael’s name as a potential easy vote tonight either. Micheal probably should have used his idol as well. But it was fantastic that Chris left with an idol in his pocket.
Sorry for writing a book, Cho. I never have wanted to have posts about pretaped competition shows here because there are always spoilers out there and even though I used to be a spoiler back when it was a challenge and not just knowing someone who leaks from production, I like being a normie watcher now. I am so glad Cho is recapping this show, it’s so much fun to have people to talk to about the show again. I just wish it was not right before RHONY because those recaps can go long and I forgot to pull photos for tonight’s episode and the entire process took for fucking ever and I just wanted to get this up before I forgot all the things I wanted to say.
Oh and I totally underestimated the Laurel and Donathan alliance. Laurel has herself an extra vote in Donathan. How long do you think they will stay allied with Dom and Wendell? I suppose right up until Laurel sees greener pastures and takes her two votes and flees.
REALLY shutting up now. Thanks again for the great recap Cho, sorry it takes me so long to get it up. I’ll be more prepared for RHONY next week, I promise.
1) Yes, they definitely wanted to make sure that both Dom and Chris were in danger of being voted off. But also, I think they usually start the first merge IC with an endurance/balance type challenge. I was super impressed with Kellyn, Chelsea and Libby with their challenge performance!
2) So many people should have played their idols. Dom did exactly what he was supposed to do though to guarantee his safety. I think Wendell did the right thing, because he is so well liked that no one was seriously considering a split vote. They were either voting all on Dom or all on Chris. Chris obviously was an idiot to not play it…
3) I was also trying to desperately figure out what would happen if Dom, Wendell and Chris were all immune. I thought obviously it would be libby. I think the girls (Desiree and Angela) threw a couple votes onto her simply as insurance in case idols were indeed played.
4) omg I totally understand about the mishaps. I need to start doing pictures earlier so that I’m more prepared. And also give you a variety of images. I know you’re not impressed with RHONY so far, but I’m liking it. I feel a Luann gang up though. Tins and Carole yuck.
5) Donathan and Laurel are VERY tight. I see Laurel taking his vote and running into another direction pretty soon. Probably even the next episode. Lines will definitely be drawn in the sand soon. Dom is the dominant force right now, but I can see a couple others stepping up to challenge him like a Laurel or Kellyn or Michael. I’m excited to see what happens in the next two tribals.
6) it’s so GREAT being a casual Survivor viewer isn’t it?! I’m so happy we can all discuss the show together! <3
omg YAS to this long ass comment. I will get to it in a bit!!
I think this was the best Survivor episode ever! The irony that Chris could have not played against his vote then would have had to play his idol tonight, priceless. Wendell’s beautiful shade filled vote for Chris, Dom yelling out Chris’ name as he voted. All of it was perfection. Chris was a terrible player, all about himself with such an inflated ego. When he gathered the herd to head to the well, I was dying. And his face when he realized he was a goner at tribal was classic. I give Probst so much credit for being able to keep a straight face whenever a fake idol comes out at tribal. i am loving this season and can’t wait to see what comes next! Thanks for capping Cho, I am reading and loving it!
Thank you for the comment. This episode was indeed incredible. So many LOL moments seriously! I literally could not contain myself when Chris led 11 people to the water well. And Dom and Wendell’s voting confessionals. LOL uggggh just too funny.
Looking forward to the next several episodes if this is any indicator of how things will be edited!
Did you see Chris’ rap video on Youtube? It’s so cringey it’s good!
Yes I did, an instant classic lol. That guy sure loves himself. Can’t wait for the rest of the season, hope it keeps on rocking!
You know what got me? In one of Chris’s last confessionals he compared himself to Duane Wade!!! he said he was the Duane Wade of Survivor, ever improving. What a sanctimonious prick!
The amount of delusion he exhibited knew no bounds while he was out there on the island. I assume not much has changed since he’s gotten off other than the fact that he realizes he can capitalize on this opportunity to make more money for doing very little.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.
I definitely chortled!!
Enjoyed your take on it, Cho, and yours, too, TT!
thank you for the comment. It was such a hilarious episode!
Chris is the (swavey) master of cringefulness.
I was loving Wendell’s voting booth confessional. ?
And Superfly, yes! The Dustin face when Chris realized he was toast.
There have been a lot of good voting confessionals but that is easily top 5.
I too was hoping that all the idols would get played for naught because the female 4 would have voted Libby out. Could you imagine the fallout and drama had Chris and Dom came back to camp.
Also. Wendell had one of the best spoken votes in the series. As did Dom! ?
Omg the drama that would have ensued had they both remained in the game would have been oh so delicious. We’ll see how much longer Libby lasts. She seems to have such a big target on her back that she can’t escape.
So glad to see Chris gone, and with an idol! I wonder if THAT idol will be put back into play again 30 seasons from now? and the rap video, that was so terribly great! It must be watched!
I hope we stop seeing terribly stupid players like Chris and JT. They can be awfully entertaining though.
The rap video was SO bad that it’s good!
Jeff is enthralled with Chris. I fear we will see him again.
And of course on the jury.
Jeff didn’t even announce first jury member! Probably did, but it was edited out.
Oh yeah. If anyone gets to return from this season, it’ll be Chris. The way they edited his rap video was amazingly cringey! lol
I would love a returnee’s season of players with the biggest egos. Who would be shoe-ins for that?
This is ez, Barbara.
Russel can be on an entire fucking season by himself, because that’s all the ego you need.
But seriously, Chris would be a shoe in. Joe from HvHvH. Debbie from Gamechangers. Kass. Andrew from Pearl Islands. Rodney from Worlds Apart. Tony of course. Abi Maria.
What a season that would be now that I think of it… lol
I heard Jeff, say, “and the first member of the jury”.
THIS is why I still love the damn show so much and always will.
I have liked Wendall from the beginning, and after his speech during his vote….I LOVE him so much.
Somehow even thought you would think Chris would learn a lot about how arrogant and awful he is when he watches this….I have a feeling he won’t learn a thing.
I know Wendell just won over america with his awesome voting confessional. Wendell, Michael and Donathan are probably the obvious favorites at this point.
Yeah, I doubt Chris will learn. However it is cool that he’s poking fun at himself with that rap video he did. It shows a bit of humility and introspection with not taking himself so seriously all the time.
Epic tribal. One of the best. Thanks Cho for covering the show.
Definitely the best episode by far this season. That tribal council and those voting confessionals. It doesn’t get better than that. If this episode is any indicator, then we’re in for a good second half of the season!
Thank you for commenting!
Oh, this season FINALLY got GOOOOOOD! Chris was such easy pickins’ with no self-awareness. I will miss his cringeworthyness (ok, go with it, it’s a great made-up word!) but now the scrambling will get much better! Loved both Domenick and Wendall’s voting words. The coffee comment? Funny as hell. The ladies could take control if they don’t kill each other instead. There are still a few players who aren’t getting much screen time which I find weird. Chelsea? Is that a player? Who is she? Those are the players you need to watch cause they slip by and then all of sudden they are in the final 3 and they haven’t done anything. Hoping that doesn’t happen. I wish I could post Chris’ face when he realized the blindside… it’s awesome….. Thanks for recap Cho – as always it’s fantastic!
omg I know right! If all the episodes are like this, we are in for a GREAT second half of the show.
The Naviti girls could potentially align together, but like others have said, I simply don’t see that lasting very long. It’s only a matter of time until they turn their sights on one another. Women on Survivor typically can’t stick together for long.
Did you watch Chris’ rap? Be sure to click one of my links towards the end if you didn’t or check out my twitter feed.
Thanks as always for reading the recap. It’s SO SO SO appreciated! <3
Oh my gosh the look on Chris’ face when he realized they were voting him out…he just doesn’t get it…I’ve know guys like that through-out my life.
And how do you handle those types of people in real life?
Was anyone else waiting for someone to look for or find a clue at the merge feast? I was very surprised that nothing was shown or discussed about this. It seems to happen each season.
There’s a lot of stuff that is never shown due to time constraints. I’m almost 100% positive that someone searched for the idol at the feast, but because it was literally randomly given to someone in their buff, there was no reason to show it. It simply wasn’t applicable to the story this episode.
it would be different if someone searched for it and got caught. Maybe they’d become a target or it created some animosity or drama? But it was probably a very mundane situation.
Cho- thank you for another amazing recap.
I think that Sebastian could make it to the end. If he can fall into the middle of the pack for physical challenges maybe the other tribe members won’t see him as a threat. We haven’t seen him play a hard social game so I’m hoping he makes a big move when it counts . Now that Chris is gone Michael and Sebastian are my remaining eye candy. I would like to see them make it to the end.
I am right there with you! Literally, I need them to make it as far as possible. We need to have eye candy in all episodes. Sea Bass is just so amazing to look at. And he’s nice too. Same goes for Michael!