By Survivor Guest Correspondent Cho
Happy hump day! How has your week been? Remember when Survivor was on Thursdays? I was one of THOSE viewers who wrote in to CBS complaining about the change, because I’m just that horrifically privileged. That being said, I’ve finally come around to loving Wednesday episodes, because it helps me to through the rest of the week! Do you prefer Survivor night on Wednesday or Thursday? Ok, enough blathering! Go read my last recap if you need to catch up before tonight!
Too Long Didn’t Watch
The previously on section shows how it was Kellyn trying to take out Wendell, but Laurel and Donathan flipped to their side. Jeff says that Kellyn is left without an ally in the game. After tribal council, Kellyn says she’s at the bottom and hoping to talk to anyone who’s willing to chat. She takes experience from her divorce and hopes to stir up drama the next day.
We get to the next day where Laurel feels like a move against the guys is possible but she can’t trust the girls. Donathan convinces Laurel that it’s silly to keep playing it safe unless they want to be at the end with no shot of winning immunity. True tea. Laurel struggles with the fact that Domenick and Wendell are her best friends in the game, so it’s risky. Donathan is frustrated by his alliance with Laurel’s indecisiveness and allowing the boys to continue to run the game. He then goes to Kellyn about blindsiding one of the boys. This is music to Kellyn’s ears! Donathan gives some great confessionals about how he’s ready to play without Laurel if she’s willing to give the game away to Domenick and Wendell. Donathan has finally grown a backbone y’all!
The reward challenge looks complicated and will be played in pairs. Captains are randomly chosen, and Angela isn’t chosen. It’s a spacing challenge where the pairs must continue to pass a rolling spool to one another. The spools can’t hit one another or drop to the ground. As time goes on, more spools will be added to the contraption. I LOVE these challenges so much!! I don’t think I’d like running up and down those stairs though.
Laurel is already huffing and puffing, and they’re only on spool #3. Fatigue sets in. Everyone is exhausted. I’m fucking exhausted! The 4th spool is added, and everyone is now hustling! These are the types of simple challenges that I love. The 5th spool is added. Everyone’s screaming now! Sebastian drops his spool and he & Kellyn are out. Laurel drops hers next, leaving Wendell and Domenick with the reward win! They better play their idols this episode. Wendell picks Laurel to come onto reward with them and they send “The Pirate”, Sebastian, to Ghost Island. Wow this challenge telegraphs a lot socially doesn’t it? Donathan is obviously pissed. I think it’s too little too late baby boy. Last week was your time to get froggy and leap.
Sea Bass arrives on a beautiful Ghost Island. He rationalizes why Wendell and Domenick sent him, comparing himself to a suckerfish which attaches itself to the more powerful fish in the sea. He’s so self-aware. I wonder if he knows he’ll never win the game playing that way though. He ends up winning a “Steal A Vote” advantage that was mis-played by Kellyn this season as well as the vote that sent Michaela home from Survivor Game Changers. Sea Bass says this is his opportunity to show people he can play well, and I’m left assuming his advantage will be manipulated to be more useful to Wendell and Domenick.
Domenick, Laurel and Wendell are sent as ambassadors to a Fijian camp to send supplies to a local school. These are always sweet rewards. This is the reward where I fell in LOVE with Woo from Cagayan. He’s the total package: hot, smart, athletic and beyond kind to everyone! Wendell explains that Laurel was picked so that they could shore up their alliance and instill confidence. It works. Laurel says her hope is to go to the end with them and have them split the votes so that she can win. In a confessional, she says she’s actually going to cut their throats. I’m rolling my eyes. Laurel’s words are cheap at this point until we actually see her do something.
Donathan threatens Wendell that he’s voting for Domenick if he’s up against him at the end of the game. Wendell is caught off guard by Donathan’s latest “truth bomb”. The three guys get into a tense conversation where Donathan outright says he doesn’t know where he stands with them anymore and doesn’t feel like he’s going to win at the end. Well Donathan, this is NOT the way to blindside the boys if that’s what you’re going for. Domenick says Donathan is going kamikaze and isn’t such a nice kid anymore.
Immunity is another often-recycled one but fun to watch challenge. The survivors need to find pieces to build themselves both a bridge and ladder before solving a puzzle. Wendell and Sebastian take an early lead building their bridge, while Donathan and Angela are in dead last. Wendell moves on with a lead but is followed closely by Sea Bass. Jeff finds it unbelievable how far behind Donathan and Angela are on the simplest part of the challenge. Laurel, Sebastian, Domenick and Wendell are on the sliding puzzle, which is exactly the same as what they had on day 1. Poor Sea Bass is clueless at the puzzle. Kellyn joins the group. It seems like it’s Wendell’s to lose, but Laurel screams in excitement when she calls Jeff’s name. DRAMA! Wendell claims he had the puzzle first, which he did, but he didn’t call it. There’s dramatic back and forth but Wendell ends up saying he’s ok with the decision.
Back at camp, Laurel explains that it doesn’t feel right sending Wendell home under the circumstances of the latest immunity challenge. This is the second time I’ve rolled my eyes at Laurel this episode. Wendell convinces Domenick that Kellyn is the big target, because she’s an immunity threat as well as being a likable threat at the end of the game. Donathan talks to his alliance and says to let him know if he’s going to be blindsided or not. Laurel’s face drops. Domenick, who just got done asking Wendell if they should boot Donathan over Kellyn 5 minutes prior, pretends to be shocked that Donathan would say such an outrageous thing.
Donathan is watching the boys closely and notices Domenick and Wendell exchanging potential idols. The tension is palpable between the boys. Donathan is super pissed and declares that he’s going for broke. He goes to Kellyn and says he thinks he’s being targeted. Kellyn says Donathan is being unpredictable, and she hopes it will save her. Wendell’s plan to rattle Donathan worked. He’s lost his mind this episode and is ruining his relationships. Wendell talks to Angela, Sebastian and Domenick about potentially blindsiding Donathan.
There’s a whopping 10 minutes left before heading into Tribal Council! This could be juicy drama. Chelsea looks amazing on the jury. Discussion opens up how everyone is starting to fall apart mentally and physically. Wendell blames himself for not calling Jeff’s name during the immunity challenge. Domenick says things have gone haywire due to Donathan’s volatile behavior. Wendell and Domenick tag team him, essentially gaslighting him. I feel bad for Donathan here. Donathan says he is frustrated, because he needs to know information from his allies if they want his support to the end. Donathan tells Dom to stop talking. The jury lets out a gasp, while I let out a dramatic gay gasp myself. Lots of whispering ensues, and everyone is on edge now. Dom tells Angela to stick to the hammock plan. Donathan asks what the hammock plan is, and Dom tells him that they aren’t talking remember? Ouch! Donathan is being an uber brat tonight. I hope Kellyn stays, but I doubt it. Votes are tallied: 1 vote Domenick.1 vote Donathan. 2 for Kellyn. 2 for Donathan. The last two votes are tied for Donathan and Kellyn! The revote happens with tears in Kellyn’s eyes, and she is voted off 3-1. She says she didn’t go out without a fight and made them vote twice at least! This was sad. Kellyn leaves with a big cheesy grin wishing everyone luck.
Next Time On Survivor: The season finale is next week.
Final Words: Kellyn says how this journey came at the perfect time. She says she’s thankful for this once in a lifetime experience that she’ll never forget. This episode is the sweet Kellyn we were missing the last few weeks.
Cho’s Top Takeaways
Who Is This Donathan?!
We see Donathan really lighting a fire under his ass with his goal of undermining the powerful duo that is Wendell and Domenick. While Donathan has been a great player to watch this season, he’s obviously a novice at the actual game of Survivor. He’s let his emotions dictate the majority of his game, and it shows this week. How he thought he could just flip flop back and forth on a duo like Wendell/Domenick so easily baffles me. If anything, he should have forced the vote last episode when the numbers were there to do it. Instead of re-establishing relationships with the people he just got done betraying (Angela and Kellyn), he seemed insistent on antagonizing Wendell and Domenick directly. You know who he reminded me of this episode? Abi Maria, and that’s not exactly a good thing. He was bratty, volatile and most importantly, ineffectual! While I found myself feeling compassionate towards his frustrations with the game, the way he handled it was off-putting. What are your thoughts on Donathan’s behavior this episode?
Laurel Settles For 3rd
Laurel reveals to Donathan and Wendell that she plans on going to the F3 with them and hopes to win by having them split the votes among the jurors. She tells us in a confessional that she will instead be cutthroat and play for the win, but I’m unconvinced. Laurel has spent the last 30 days contemplating a big move. What she has obviously forgotten is that there are few days left to make any big moves. As loaded as Dom & Wendell are with both immunity idols and immunity challenge prowess, the time was Final 7-10. As we stand at the F6, Laurel’s best shot at this point is 3rd place. I’m disappointed in Laurel’s game, but what are your thoughts?! Has she sunk her own game? Is there a chance she can beat Domenick or Wendell?
I’m cutting it short and only giving two takeaways from this episode, because I’m planning on doing a BONUS pre-finale post detailing my thoughts on how the remaining game could possibly go and how I feel about each castaway remaining. Please do give me as many comments below as possible to help me write my next post this weekend. As an aside, my twitter has been pretty hilarious lately, so if you aren’t following me, you’re missing out on a good laugh! Now let’s chat in the comments! What were your biggest takeaways from this explosive episode?
Please No Spoilers In Comments
Looking forward to everyone’s comments on this latest episode. Give me your thoughts on Laurel’s game, Donathan’s volatile behavior and how which of Wendell or Domenick you prefer to win!
I don’t know- I think you may be underestimating Laurel. She’s pretty good at challenges and pretty smart so she may have been just holding back to go full-throttle at the end. I hope so – girl power!
Oh and very disappointed in Donathan. Up until last night I liked the fact that everyone thought of him as just a dumb kid from KY because he was showing that he was using that to his advantage, but last night he showed he’s just a dumb kid from KY-Damn! I’m from KY and was hoping he would break through that stereotype. Oh well…
I can’t decide between Wend and Dom since I like them both but LAUREL for the win ya
I know Laurel is MORE than capable of making a move against Dom/Wendell. She’s obviously capable of beating them in a challenge even if by a technical error on Wendell’s part. My concern about Laurel’s position is that she is WAITING too long to make a move. When she finally decides to make a move, it will be too late. It’s already too late. This was the last chance she had.
Donathan also looked like a brat this past episode. Super disappointed in his behavior, but like Kellyn, I can kind of understand where his frustrations are coming from. He’s spent all this time following Laurel’s lead when he should have been making his own decision to turn on the boys earlier without her. His low position in the game is officially his fault.
I’ve never been Team Domenick. At least I don’t dislike him now. He definitely deserves to win the game, but I am 90% rooting for Wendell at this point. 10% Laurel. I would be HAPPY with any of Domenick, Laurel or Wednell winning. Wouldn’t like it if the other 3 did…
Watching now, they are at tribal, haven’t read recaps or comments. My fingers and toes are crossed so tight I don’t know if I will be able to move them again. I’m gonna be soooo mad if Wendel goes…or Dom. I almost don’t want to watch….
Oh thank God!! Wish it has been Donathon but I didn’t like Kellan either so I’m good. Going to get pry bar now to undo my fingers and toes so I read the recap!
All better now😉. Show was great Tonite! I haven’t been that nervous over a tribal in years, usually I have an idea of who is going but not tonight.
My take on things:
Seabass is a prefect name for Whats-his-name. He is just kinda there to me, not a stand out so I definitely don’t want him at the final
Donothon: he’s too unsettled and undeserving of final 3.
I would like to see Laurel, Dom and Wendel at final 3. I think Laurel really could have a chance at stealing the million. Usually there is always a player who you KNOW doesn’t have a chance but with those 3 I could see each getting votes.
When survivor first came out it was on Wednesday nights (my late husband had practice on Wednesday s and I remember he was mad he would miss it (he rode with the Seattle Cossacks motorcyle stunt team,check it out, they are pretty cool). I can’t remember when they went to Thursdays but it was an early season.
Thank you for your great recaps! You really do an excellent job, it’s pretty impressive considering how quickly you get them up! Much appreciated
I’d also love a Wendell, Domenick and Laurel F3, because those are the three I think are deserving of the win this season. However, I think it’s unlikely. I think Wendell and Dom could potentially turn on each other in the F4 which would all buy guarantee the other wins the million. Laurel is a strong competitor, but we’re talking Wendell and Domenick. They are both as well spoken as Laurel and has the resume to prove worthiness.
Wow, thanks for that tidbit about your husband. I just youtubed a video and can’t believe your husband does that type of stuff! So cool! Is he still involved with the team or connected somehow?
Thank you for your comments! It’s so appreciated!
Thanks! He rode with them from 1999-2016 and never missed a show! We had lots of fun traveling all over the states. Unfortunately we had split up and in the process of reconciliation when he passed away in 2016. He was actually packing for Sturgis when it happened. Miss him alot but tons of happy fun memories to focus on and our daughter is a lot like him (I’m pretty sure he is laughing at me when she pulls stuff lol).
Can’t wait to read your precap next week. Seems like the season just started. I wish they would go back to having 2 at the final and I really wish they would do a spoof showing Jeff traveling all sorts of funny ways to get the votes to the studio. They did it in an earlier season and it was a hoot!
It’s funny I usually dont like ALL of the finalists but this time if the big 3 it’s a hard call lol
Oh wow I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like you two had a FULL relationship. Your daughter is proof of its success I’m sure! How old is she now?
I’m excited to to do the pre-cap as well. I love the word you just coined btw: “precap”! I’m excited to write it. Don’t have time this evening, but for sure tomorrow and guaranteed it will be done on Sunday. There’s so much to discuss.
I would be satisfied with Domenick winning. I’d be happy if Laurel won. I’d be ELATED if Wendell won! The other 3 better not have any chance!!
I’ve never been a Donathan fan. He seems to think he is playing a great game when he is simply being dragged along on as a goat by Dom and Wendell. It’s hard to say if he will be the next to go, or if they are sure everyone know he is not worthy of a win. If it is Dom, Wendell and Donathan in the end the old tribe that was not Naviti has to be bitter that they got the bad end of the draw in every single tribal change. They might just vote for Donathan and that would be a travesty.
I really like Dom and Wendell. However, I’d love to see a Laurel win. I think she has played well. She has won challenges, she had a lot to overcome not being on Naviti, she made a cross tribe alliance early in the game and has been loyal to the alliance despite not thinking she could beat the guys in the end. She’s managed her relatioships with the girls well enough to get a few GIRL POWER votes and I actually think she underestimates her ability to beat the guys in the end. She got to eat with them tonight which should give her a lot of energy and she has so much natural muscle that in some ways she could be stronger than the guys.
I’m Team Lauren but would be happy with a Wendall or Dom win. I will be pissed if Donathan, Sebastian or Angela win. Like my TV might not survive if any of those three win. Except maybe Sea Bass. If he can pull something out.. I might be able to handle it.
I don’t see Donathan winning against anyone at this point. Angela either. Sebastian only wins if he’s up against those two. The way Donathan’s pissed all of off the rest of the tribe remaining will have lasting effects on his image. Not a good look. He’s ending this season on such a bad note after being such a positive character. There’s been rumblings of people disliking Donathan here. I guess that nasty side of him really showed out this episode!
I’m definitely 90% rooting for Wendell and 10% for Laurel. however, I think all of Laurel Wendell and Dom would be deserving of the win this season. I’ve just lost my confidence in Laurel. The comment section is currently helping me see the light.
I am team Wendell, with Dom a close second
Donathan is still overbearing and smug. Ugh.
My tv is safe across the room but I might also break something along with TT.
Cho, I enjoy your spoiling and subsequent interaction so much!!
Lynn thank you SO much for your contributions to the recaps. It’s this interaction that really makes me feel good about writing these for the site!
I’m also FIRMLY #TeamWendell at this point. I like Dom, but I like Laurel more. I’m 90% Wendell and 10% Laurel but would be happy if Domenick won too. Can’t stand the idea of the other 3 winning and don’t think they feasibly have a shot unless they are against each other… which is basically impossible.
Well, I think Lauren totally blew it.
Is she seriously just trying for 3rd place?
Even thought it hasn’t been the greatest season, I still love this stupid show SO much, and I’m bummed it will be over next week!
Sea bass looked like he might have run out of weed this week….He looked awake!
Smash the YERN!
So strange how Angela is still there….WTF took her so long to do that challenge?
I would absolutely love to see a player go on and totally fake their entire personality.
Like really play dumb and friendly.
I think Laurel also made a HUGE mistake not taking her opportunity these last two weeks. I think she’s solidly going to land in 3rd place at this point. I can’t see Wendell or Domenick leaving before the F4 UNLESS they turn on each other.
LOL @ Sea Bass finally waking up. I can’t stop laughing at that comment. I love Sea Bass’ personality, but him as a Survivor player is lackluster.
Angela I have no words on. She has been so useless. It was nice seeing how spunky she was with trying to take Domenick and Wendell out, but she has fallen right back into their folds so quickly.
Without Donathan, this show would have been boring so I don’t mind him too much.
I absolutely do not want Sea Bass or Angela getting to the final. Angela rubbed me the wrong way earlier in the season. Plus, if she makes it to F3, I think her ally Chris will convince enough jurors to vote for her because he can’t stand Dom.
You know what Jrz, I think you might be wrong about Chris. I think he’s the type to actually campaign FOR Domenick to win the game. They spent the entire show measuring their dicks against each other. I think in a sick twisted form of ego, Chris would only reward the guy who managed to beat him. I’m rolling my eyes at the thought now.
Donathan, I’ve been mixed on throughout the season. I like the character that he has portrayed until last episode. He’s ending things on a sour note, but he IS keeping it interesting like you said. He deserves a second chance at the game in my honest opinion.
Cho- great recap. Thank you!
I think Dom and Wendell will Definately be in the final three. If they are smart they will take Angela with them. She isn’t great in challenges and she is never in the tribal council plans. I think the voting will come down to a war of words. Which ever of the finalists can spin their take on how they were the best at outwitting, outplaying and outlasting will probably get the votes. That’s if the jury doesn’t hold grudges or vote for who they like best. I think Wendell and Dom have played a pretty equal game but I think Wendell is more of a wordsmith. If Laurel and Sebastian even stand a chance at winning they need to make a big move and take out Dom or Wendell. I’d like to see Dom or Wendell win cuz I think they have played the game of Survivor the best.
BTW- I think TT would be amazing at the Survivor social game. She is a verbal sniper. She has a brilliant way with words.
They will definitely take Angela if they’re smart to go to the end together. However, I have a feeling they might turn on each other before then. That would definitely be exciting, but would then lead to an incredibly boring vote, because if only one of them is in the finals, I think they win in a landslide.
I think Wendell and Domenick have both played great games. The key I think will be analyzing the differences in how they played. I need to review the game before making my post about the finale. I’m rooting for Wendell right now though! He’d make a fantastic winner for this season. And he’s super sexy too.
I would LOVE to see TT on Big Brother instead of Survivor. She’d tear that house up.
Cho- I agree about TT on Big Brother. I also think TT would be amazing as a host for one of the Housewives reunions. She would stop them in their tracks of BS. However spending a day with the housewives while they yap in circles sounds like a nightmare of frustration.
ooooo omg I just imagined TT hosting a housewives reunion. LOL How hilarious would that be? We need to write letters for Andy to be replaced.
Great recap. I’ve really enjoyed them all season Cho. I’ve also surprisingly enjoyed the show and Ghost Island itself.The players though? Not so much. It’s been a pretty lame cast. Not memorable and not good at the game.
Wow Aud thank you for the awfully nice compliments. It’s appreciated it so much. I’m thankful to have readers like you who enjoy my content.
What types of things would you like to see me do during the off season? Rumors about the cast of the next season perhaps? I’ll have to chat with TT about it as well to see what is the most appropriate. We have a staunch no spoilers rule, but I’m unsure if that includes cast spoilers or not.
Wendall and Dom need to turn on one another, in spectacular fashion. This has been the hardest season to invest in since Thailand. Boring and very few compelling players. Laurel only talks about making moves, and has no resume to speak in. I think Donathon has become paranoid and it’s made him hyper vigilant. He needs to make a big move instead of causing shit. I’m rooting for Dom, but really don’t care, at this point.
Dainty, I have to say I agree with you about Laurel. She’s been a lot of talk but no action in terms of “big moves”. You don’t have to always make big moves to win the game, but when you are planning to go against Domenick/Wendell, you better pad your resume with something!
I think I have to agree with you about this season’s cast being a bit lack luster. Really, I only have a deep connection with Laurel and Wendell at this point. I’m not rooting for anyone else. Domenick winning would be predictable, boring but he would definitely deserve it.
Let’s hope the finale brings some awesome gameplay, great challenges and an entertaining finish! Thank you for joining me in the ride this season, and I hope you join me next season!
Thanks for doing the recaps Cho. I learn more about the episode reading about it than I do watching it. I’ve never missed a season of this show so I’ll be back next season. P.s. Ghost Island concept sucks, big time.
Oh my goodness I would have to agree. It was a huge flop. If it weren’t so random, it would have been phenomenal. The way they have the chance to focus on an individual character each episode is pretty smart. However, the inconsistency of its occurrence, who goes and who gets to play a game made the twist LACKING IN LUST.
Cho – I would love to have you or TT recap two of my favorite shows. Both are relatively new. The first is Claws. It stars Niecy Nash. I think the second season starts near the end of this month. I think it airs on TNT. The second show is Animal Kingdom. Ellen Barkin stars in it along with a cast of really hot guys. The third season starts near the end of this month also. Actually tonight at
1:00am on TNT a rerun of an episode from the second season is airing.
Has anyone seen either of these shows? I got hooked right away.
Oooo I don’t have any idea what those shows are. Mind giving me a short description of each?
Absolutely love your recaps!
Laurel’s biggest achievement has been siding with the best people in the game (Wendell, Dom, who would have thought it, & until this last episode, Donathan) But she is a decision follower. Partnering with ‘the best’ is already a huge thing, so 3rd place!
Wendell showed how a great leayer and teammate he is. He reslly deserves the prize.
Domenic has grown so much, from annoying AH to cool & getting everyone’s game
For Don, I’m using Tyra Bank’s gif: ’I was rooting for you!’
I happen to agree. Laurel saw where the influence and power was and latched on to it. I wouldn’t consider her a follower though. Laurel made her OWN decisions, knew the weight of those decisions and followed through on execution of those decisions. Unfortunately, I simply think those decisions will net her 3rd place at best. Donathan, on the other hand, has been a supreme follower… of Laurel. And that’s why he’s in the bad situation he’s in now.
Wendell deserves this so much. I REALLY want him to win.
Domenick has also eased my hate for him. The first half of the season I was not a fan, but I’ve grown to appreciate his character a lot and respect his game. Everything got better once Chris was gone. haha
So funny how with the same show we have 2 different visions! I thought Laurel was ‘the decision follower’ & not Don!
Chris was taking selfies once he got evicted, for sure…=)
Still w the feeling that so many good players (at least w potential) left too soon…
I completely agree with your assessm6of Laurel. Has she never watched even 1 season of Survivor? Coatailers are never given the million.
Thank you for your comments! Coattail riders never receive the million when they’re up against the coats. Laurel needs to get rid of both coats before she can win. By the way, don’t miss out on my latest post! I go over each remaining castaway!
Yes, Aud, please join us here. I’d love to know your brain, gut. heart!
http://tamaratattles.com/2018/05/20/survivor-finale-precap-what-will-happen-on-wednesday-night/#comment-488490
Sorry that goes to my comment rather than the post.
http://tamaratattles.com/2018/05/20/survivor-finale-precap-what-will-happen-on-wednesday-night/
That takes you to Cho’s post.