By Survivor Guest Correspondent Cho
Happy weekend everyone! How is everyone spending their free time? I’m planning on going on a nice long hike tomorrow afternoon. It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors while simultaneously getting a good workout in! Speaking of good workouts, plan on a lot of keystrokes from me regarding the season finale of Survivor Ghost Island! As as longtime student of the game, there is so much tension in my heart about what I think should happen versus what I want to happen. Do you ever feel this way?
Getting into what today is about, this bonus post is meant to prepare everyone for a satisfying conclusion to the endgame. No matter your bias, it’s important to have an overall understanding of the game thus far and everyone’s role in it. How did each contestant get to the final 6? What advantages or obstacles did they meet along the way? What relationships did they make or break during their journey? And most importantly, have they been entertaining? Think about these questions as you read along. It was really intriguing to find readers who disagreed with my opinion last week regarding Laurel’s position in the game. That type of dialogue was really helpful to me sharpening my analytical skills and makes discussion really interesting! I welcome all opinions here, so please do comment below!
Wendell: Let’s start this post off with my favorite character of the season! Judging by how many votes he’s received post merge, you wouldn’t believe that he had quite the cushy pre-merge game! Due to sheer likability, well-rounded strength in both physical & mental challenges and usefulness around camp, Wendell was able to ingratiate himself within every tribe he was on. He went to a total of 1 tribal council where his Naviti allies turned on Angela, but in dramatic fashion, James made a power move against them and blindsided Morgan. Yes, James has been the ONLY Malolo to ever outplay a Naviti! Wendell and Domenick temporarily being on the bottom of their new tribe is what probably brought them closer together as allies. This is also when Domenick shared his advantages with Wendell.
Wendell never faced another tribal council until entering the merge with as many allies as you can imagine. His alliance with Domenick was cemented when Chris forced him to pick a side in their showdown. We saw how that ended up. Despite several attempts at Wendell’s life, he has been able to maintain key bonds with people who could have and should have turned on him like Laurel, Sebastian and Donathan. He has won challenges, found an immunity idol and made successful counter-strikes against his enemies all while maintaining their utmost respect. He’s charming, witty and an overall pleasant person. He also has a nice ass.
Wendell’s Chances: At this point, Wendell should have an easy time getting to the F4. He has Domenick as an ally out of necessity as well as Sebastian who seems to be playing for him to win. With no wiggle room in terms of voting power, Laurel will probably also keep him towards the end game. Between winning immunity and or having to use his idol, I just don’t see Wendell making an early exit.
We could potentially see him and Domenick turn on each other at the F4 right before the final vote. That’s when the million dollars becomes closer to reality, and people start thinking about their families. In that case, I see Wendell being the bigger target in the eyes of the others considering Domenick has at least rubbed some people the wrong way like Chris and Desiree. If Wendell makes it to the end, I think he wins. Domenick will give him a challenge, but I think (and hope) Wendell will pull it off!
Angela: Ok so after starting off with arguably our strongest competitor, I thought we’d fly by a competitor who hasn’t been so… competitive in terms of the game of Survivor. Angela’s journey has been lacking in lust for the most part. When you think about the idea of luck in the game of Survivor, it truly does benefit some more than others. Angela has arguably made the worst decisions out of the remaining players yet luck has helped get her this far. Luck might be too negative of a word. Privilege is better, because it applies to most of those from the original Naviti tribe with their string of lucky tribal switches and misplays from their competitors. Despite Naviti coming for her literal neck here, Naviti taking out her strongest ally here and Naviti taking out her last remaining ally here, she’s had the LUXURY of sitting back and coasting to the end anyway! Her most memorable moment this season will forever be when she swallowed a sea slug whole.
Angela’s Chances: Are simply nonexistent. We have seen many comments from her fellow contestants both during the season and post-exit interviews that she isn’t well respected. A lot of her fellow survivors have even questioned her mental state during the game. Her best shot will be going to the end with both Sebastian and Donathan, but even in that situation, I think she gets a distant 3rd place. While she has shown a few spurring moments of excitement for the game, I don’t think it has translated to a good strategic or social game.
Donathan: Donathan’s story has been one of the most intriguing to watch. He starts off portraying himself as just some dumb naive boy from Kentucky that is thrust onto the island like a fish out of water. This proves to be true as he barely escapes the first elimination and struggles in the challenges. He’s determined to try his best, and it’s endearing. He overcomes many obstacles through the support of his tribemates. His relationship with Laurel is one that has been sweet to watch really. The quintessential Donathan we grew to love was featured in the premiere of this season. We see Donathan making deep social connections with people like James, Laurel and even Chris during the premerge. However, it sort of stops there.
Post-merge Donathan seems to be one that stirs the pot at Tribal Council with his “truth bombs” while having an air of smugness. Despite his hesitations with following Laurel’s every single lead, he hasn’t actually made any moves for himself. After the latest episode where he threw multiple tantrums, he now sits in a position where everyone views him as unpredictable and untrustworthy. This is what happens when you let others control your fate. Now, he is frustrated with the position he’s gotten himself in.
Donathan’s Chances: Are slim. He only has a shot if he gets to the end with Sebastian and Angela. How he makes that happen seems impossible. Laurel seems to have firmly chosen to side with Domenick and Wendell at this point. If he can convince her otherwise, he could have a chance. Even if he were to convince her, they’d still need to work around immunity and immunity idols. Even still, Donathan would most likely want to take Laurel to the end where she would beat him silly in a vote.
Sebastian: Oh Sea Bass my darling Sea Bass! Many episodes ago, our resident douchebag, Bradley, claimed that Donathan was only here for a “beach vacation”. I think he was referring to Sebastian. Like most Naviti members who chose to not play aggressively, he’s had quite the easy time coasting this far. He has very similar qualities to Wendell in that he is likable, strong in challenges and useful around camp. However, he’s missing the strategic bones that Wendell has. He has been staunchly loyal to Naviti since day 1 and in particularly, the boys of Naviti. It’s a shame he hasn’t been shown more, because he has the best body in the cast sans Chris. He also has quite the goofy sense of humor. Sebastian’s game can be summed up in his own words from the latest episode where he likened himself to a “suckerfish”.
Sebastian Chances: I’ve said this before, but I think Sebastian only wins against Donathan and Angela. And even that could be a struggle if Donathan manages to pick up votes from his old Malolo gang. This Final 3 is so unrealistic though that I think Sebastian ends up either getting voted out due to idols being bounced or he’s dragged to the end as a goat. He does have an extra vote that could be used in his favor, but I don’t think he has the strategic prowess to use it effectively.
Laurel: Is it Yanny or Laurel? Obviously it’s Laurel! Her story has been really fun to watch. Right now, I’m feeling disappointed in her game, but when you look at the details throughout, you have to give her credit for being a strong analytical thinker that persevered really dire circumstances. It has always been her deep social connections that allowed her to not only survive the votes but place herself in a position MANY times to be the swing vote! That doesn’t always happen by mistake. Laurel set herself up throughout the merge where everyone depended on her. That speaks volumes about her social game.
We know how I feel about her alliance with both Wendell and Domenick. We also know how she feels. Laurel is not dumb. She knows how risky it is going to the end with Dom and Wendell. We are yet to see how it will turn out, but it has been great watching a strong female (physically, mentally and strategically by the way) actually have so much influence in the game.
Laurel’s Chances: Again, this entire game really comes down to Laurel’s decisions. Does she stick with one or both of Dom and Wendell? Does she take Donathan and another goat to the end altogether? Will idols bounce onto her? We don’t know quite yet. What I do know is that if she makes it to the end, she will have a strong case to win. I just hope that we don’t have another Woo situation taking Tony to the finals.
Domenick: Last but definitely not least, we have our 3rd strong contender for the win. If we’re speaking frankly here, this season has focused primarily on Domenick’s story. The entirety of the pre-merge was built on the running rivalry between him and Chris. It led up to one of the biggest showdowns we’ve seen in Survivor history. He started off as overplaying the game in many ways. He rubbed some people the wrong way, but he was always in a position of influence for the most part. He showed leadership qualities that just made people want to follow him. He ran Naviti like an Italian father runs his family! Remember the advice I gave to Domenick for his post-merge game? Well the knucklehead listened to me. Despite being a target countless times, his social game has kept people like Sebastian, Laurel, Kellyn and Angela on his side when they shouldn’t have. His arrogance is creeping through right now. The way he gaslit Donathan wasn’t that cute, but he’s doing what he has to do to move into the finale and conquer his enemies. While he’s not my favorite, I am very proud of the strong game Domenick has played.
Domenick’s Chances: I think he has the BEST chances to win this season of Survivor. While Wendell has the better social bonds, I think that’s a double edged sword at the end game. With the million dollars being so close you can smell it, people will throw those bonds away and use it as a weapon. Additionally, I think Domenick is more likely to turn on Wendell than the other way around. And if Domenick strikes first at the F4, it’s a done deal.
Well guys and gals, while I always love giving you my opinions on the cast, what’s important to me are YOUR thoughts! What do you think of the final 6 of Survivor Ghost Islands? Who do you think will win? Who do you want to win? Be sure to comment below and also follow me on twitter if you want to engage with me outside of the blog!
Please No Spoilers In Comments
I will have a lot more to say about this after I get some more caffeine in my system. It’s desperately needed because I was rushing down here to tell Cho he has clearly taken leave of his senses. I was scanning along and inserting photos when I got to the end. The last photo I inserted was one of Donathan. I read the last player’s write up reading DONATHAN in place of Domenick. Clearly Cho has lost his mind, I thought. Donavan has the best chance of winning. Then I realized he had done two separate reviews on Donathan. The first one was spot on and the last one was insane.
Then after looking at it SEVERAL TIMES I realized that the last player review was about Domenick. It clearly said Domenick over and over and over and my brain read Donathan over and over and over.
So, I’ll be back when I can increase my brain function at least enough to… you know… ACTUALLY READ WORDS. In my defense, there are a lot of words. I also love the use of the word knucklehead.
LOL LOL OMG I can just totally imagine you reading this right now and I can’t stop laughing! As a trehugger, you know I have a few ticks up there, so you never know when I’m going off the deep end. I did type a lot of words though.
I love the word knucklehead too. It’s kind of a term of endearment for me.
Excited to read more comments over the next few days before the finale!
Me too! Knucklehead is reserved for people who I really like. 🙂 Waves at NJB! 😉
TT- I’ve been reading your posts almost daily since August 2017. A few months ago I just started replying to comments. When I’m ready to respond, I always go to last post and reply. Tonight I just realized that if you click “reply” under a certain comment your response will post after it. I have no idea why it took me so long to figure this out. I guess I’m as dumb as a bag of…well, you know.
Don’t worry Kerry. You’re still smarter than me. I’m glad you learned something new today though. This makes you an elite TT poster now!
Um, who’s the hot dude in the main pic? Asking for a friend.
The hot dude is Michael and while he was voted off several weeks ago, he’s obviously the star of this season!
That is Michael. He’s no longer in the game, but I just wanted to see his pretty face again.
BUT HE IS 18 YOU PERVERTED OLD MAN!
We’ve been perving on him all season. Sigh.
Count me in as a perv!
Count me in as well. He’s so beautiful.
I would like to join the perv club !
Hey Cho! We should do a Brain, Gut, Heart in these comments. For those who don’t know, It’s where you say who your brain, heart and gut think will win. Sometimes all three answers are the same person, sometimes they are not. The heart one is kind of who you WANT to win. The Brain one is who you think the obvious choice is based on game play, And the gut one is well what your gut feeling is telling you, for example you think editing may be either leading your or misleading you into this person winning. Here are mine.
Brain: Domenick as Cho said he has been a MAJOR part of the storyline from day one.
Gut: Wendell he’s sort of an underdog and a strong player. He’s very likeable and may get a lot of votes
Heart: Laurel I just want her to have a come from behind win against the guys for some reason. I don’t think they give her enough credit and if she is in final three with Dom and Wendell she could get a lot of votes FOR her that are really just AGAINST the other two.
What are your picks. Again. all three could be the same person or in any combination.
Love this idea!
Brain- Dominick
Gut-Wendell
Heart- Wendell
Loins- Michael
I have watched every season of Survivor. I love how the game evolves and how the players find new sneaky ways to succeed. I’ve noticed that those that make it to the finals have had a ride or die person that they have remained loyal to throughout the game. Then they can battle it out in the end. One duo that comes to mind is Boston Rob and Amber. I think Boston Rob is the best player to ever play. He was dominating at challenges, he provided for his tribe with fish, fire and shelter and he had a brilliant social game. He also was easy on the eyes.
Thank you to Cho for all your entertaining recaps. My Wednesday nights won’t be the same without you!
Welcome to the Perv Club.
Because my loins choose Michael all damn day. And my Loins are ancient and covered with cobwebs.
I just screamed @ loins. Thank you Kerry.
I also loved Boston Rob and Amber’s alliance. They are literally the Survivors that made “couple alliances” a huge target due to how successful they were at it.
There’s something to be said about having a ride or die alliance in a crazy social game like this. Like Sonja Morgan says, even prison bitches are loyal to one person! LOL
BRAIN: Domenick makes the most sense imho. Between he and Wendell, I think the OTHER Survivors will view Wendell as a bigger threat and vote him out in 4th place, leading Domenick to the easy win. The only way logically Domenick loses is if he’s against Wendell at the end, who I think will win more votes.
HEART: Wendell is the man! He has been so fun to watch. He’s played most rounds fairly well and has taken advantage of the privilege and luck he was provided in the game to his utmost capabilities. I think he deserves it!
GUT: I think the editing is pointing to a Domenick victory. If he didn’t win, would we have seen so much build up of his rivalry with Chris? Maybe, maybe not, but I think editing has been setting us up to doubt Domenick’s impending victory all this time.
Oh my God! My gut has been worried about Wendell since I read your post last night. I always forget about Sebastian, but I’m suddenly thinking his “advantage” from ghost island is going to help him blindside Wendell. What are your thoughts-can he still use it? It hasn’t even been mentioned since he found it – has it?
Heart Laurel, Brain Wendell, Gut Domenick
Hey Jodie, thanks so much for commenting!
So yes, Sebastian can still use his advantage. There’s still so much we don’t know about his allegiances though. Has he told anyone about his double vote or is it a secret? I think he will remain blindly loyal to the boys until he is either blindsided or dragged to the end.
If he were to target someone with his advantage, it would be one of the boys, but remember, they also have hidden immunity idols which are better than extra votes!
Yes I remember their idols but sometimes people can get a little cocky when they think they’ve got it made and miss some of the other’s moves. I do that all the time. I be counting my money then BOOM. Then I’m like “What the…”(LOL)
Hope I’m wrong but I’m really excited to see what will happen. Love your prospect and insight on this show-you make me see things I would have missed or would never have thought of.
You’re totally right tho Jodie! People get cocky ALL the time in this game. how many times have we seen people leave the game with idols in their pockets? It’s totally possible this season, but I give Domenick and Wendell more credit than that. They’re smart cookies!
Thank you for adding your comments this season. It really does mean a lot to me. Writing the recaps is fun, but having a back and forth with everyone in the comment section is WAY more fun!! I’m on the journey of watching this show just like you are! <3
My Fam has a tradition since Season 2 of picking our Survivor during the Intro. This was more fun when the opening was longer so we now just pause now when they gather on the beach. I’ve been Wendell since Day 1 and have liked his game this whole time, but waiting for him to make the million dollar move of taking Dom out. My GUT is Wendell. But since I think Dom will be smarter and make the $$ move, Dom is my Brain pick.
Heart: ANGELA
I know, I know Angela has zero likeability and has had minimal gameplay. It’s just that I have a thing for older women that make it this far in the game. And older women who have adult daughters that guilt trip them for working hard to provide a freaking life for them that took them away from home. It’s too late for the therapy I need for this projection – but I am self medicating successfully by commenting here at TT’s blog. 🙂
I did LOL on “Laurel or Yanny” Cho – Thanks!
I loved Ghost Island but was not entertained or invested in these castaways. I hope they do it again in the future with a more interesting group. Really enjoyed the flashbacks of past mistakes!
omg I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE analyzing the intro. It’s a shame that they don’t do it every episode, but really that minute and a half adds up and cuts into character development time. It would probably help with remembering everyone’s names though…
You are on the same wave length as myself in terms of hoping Wendell makes the move but thinking it will be Domenick who strikes first! I’m pulling for Wendell.
AWWW I love your reasoning behind choosing Angela for heart. First of all, no matter what anyone fucking says about Angela’s game or lack there of, getting it far as an older woman is something to be congratulated on. You can’t take that away from her. She’s doing what I know I couldn’t possibly do. Surviving the elements and working through those challenges and never giving up. I’m glad TT’s blog helps with your therapy! lol We love you!
Yeah the theme of Ghost Island is fucking fantastic. Unfortunately, their EXECUTION of this theme is what made it lack luster. I have thoroughly enjoyed the flashbacks as well. What was some of your favorites this season? I really enjoyed Tai’s flashback with the two half idols.
Wendell has played a great game. IMO better than Domenick because if seven more balanced social, political and strategy/comps. That’s not to say Domenick hasn’t also played great. Either one is very deserving of the win. I have been impressed with how Dom has enough self relaiziation taht when is arrogance is starting to come out, he can feel it back in. Not man douches can do that. He’s like an older and wiser douche that has learned how to rssestain it to get ahead.
Laurel has last played well but if she doesn’t see the need to take out the 2 or at least one of the WD players, then I don’t thing she will win or is deserving of the win.
Who’s Angela?
Donathan. Oh Donathan, he is the sweet country guy you want to see win and the bitchy, loud mouth girl that will blah all your secrets just to spite you all rolled into one. Entertaining to watch, and still a possible underdog story. He won’t win. I don’t even seeing him win next to Seb. Just because seb seems to have enough friends on the jury. That said I still can’t help but slightly root for him to make it till the end.
Sebastian – does he know he’s playing a game? A nice guy that’s enjoying hanging on tv. I don’t understand his allegiance to Wendell and dom now. Wasn’t he on an opposite alliance? He seems to only want to have guys backs, expect the one hot girl. He irritates me.
I predict a final 3 taht includes Wendell and dom. Curious to see if they stay loyal to LAurel. Wendell will
LOL @ “he’s an older and wiser douche”! Thank you for encapsulating my feelings on Domenick to a t!
I think Laurel has it in her to make the right decision. I just don’t think she will actually follow through with it. It’s a shame. I also agree with you that Wendell will remain loyal to Laurel, because he knows he can beat her. Whether he is loyal to Dom is another thing entirely.
Your thoughts on Donathan is one that I think everyone might share in. He has been such a complex character now. I’m enthralled with seeing how his story develops into the finale. Will he redeem himself from that awful last episode and rebirth as the underdog we have been rooting for all this time, or does his childish, bitchy and smug attitude reap its ugly head again?
Sebastian has always been a bro through and through. He had the hots for Jenna (I think he’s dating her irl now) but outside of that, he’s been loyal to all the bros. Really disappointing story overall.
I’m excited to watch and find out. I feel like it’s been the best season in a few years, but my memory is bad with tv. I just can’t remember looking forward to the finale in a few years at least.
My prediction – Dominick will strike first eliminating Wendell & Laurel will support because she thinks she can beat Dominick. Laurel won’t think she can beat Wendell. Wendell has a blind spot for Laurel so she’s the only one with the power to blindside Wendell.
That means I predict Laurel, Dominick and really, who cares – none of the others will win and the fact that I can’t remember their names reinforces their minimal impact on the game. With the winner being LAUREL!!! I think Laurel will beat Dominick if she sits next to him.
I liked Donathon in the beginning and I have enjoyed watching him survive in this game. But that’s all he’s done is survive, I don’t think he’s “played”.
Brain = Dominick
Gut = Dominick
Heart = Wendell – he really has the trifecta – he has brains, guts and heart, but I think the heart is gonna get him.
In all of my delusion, I’m trying to ignore all of the good points you make toward Wendell not winning. It’s a shame, because I think you may be pretty accurate in your assertions. Laurel will be the one that can really blindside Wendell.
The only thing I disagree with is Laurel beating Domenick in end. I think it’ll be tough. She will have Donathan’s support, but I don’t think she’ll have the rest of Malolo’s support considering she backstabbed them as soon as the merge hit. Maybe she gets Donathan and Jenna. I don’t think she gets the Naivit girls considering they will be bitter she didn’t join them in booting Domenick/Wendell. I think Domenick picks up almost everyone Naviti vote in that case.
The reason I don’t usually do Survivor recaps here is because the shows are filmed months and months in advance and the boot order and winner are generally out there to be discovered.
Invariably some jackass will show up am make reference to and try to spoil all the fun. Sadly that happened today just two days before making it safely to the finale unspoiled. Hopefully, not that many of you saw it and I sincerely apologize to those who did.
Apparently the BOLD NO SPOILERS LINE didn’t deter anyone.
I avoide spoilers and you should hunt that person down and flog them for ruining it for you. Pissing in their Cheerios is too nice 🤬
It’s really hard to believe that people can’t have the decency to avoid discussing spoiler-ish references. There’s a lot of hard things in life. This isn’t one of them. I don’t think the person did it maliciously, but it still sucks a bit for anyone who read it. Get it together people. At least it was only a few days before the finale!
To make this fun for everyone, please: NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENT SECTION. <3
I must be the asshole since my comment is no longer here …….I didn’t really think it was a “real” spoiler since boot lists are wrong 80% of the time. SORRY. I am running away now….
I understand your perspective. You are a valuable member of this community. In order to not sully the comment section further I’d like to take the conversation to Twitter DMs. 🙂
Well, TT knows I am a Twitter novice. How do I do this “DM”?
Go up to the top of this post. Click on his byline that will take you to his Twitter. Follow him, and then click the three don’ts next to the Following button and see if there is an option to Send him a Direct Message. If there is not he will have to follow you back. Then y’all can chat about me in private. 🙂
Thanks TT 🙂
I am SOFA KING excited for the THREE HOUR Survivor finale tonight. It means I miss the Empire season finale and Star which also may be the finale. I’ll have to remember to watch them ON Demand if I get a chance.
I plan to watch the first hour live, then recap #RHONY, then watch the last two hours. I hope to be finished by the time Cho gets in his recap, but he is really fast! Three hours is a lot to recap though. I promise to get it up ASAP and hopefully tonight. I am not going to open the file until I am done watching though, so apologies if it goes until tomorrow. It probably will be either very late tonight or tomorrow. Cho may not be able to finish a three hour recap tonight anyway.
Just giving everyone a heads up.
Thank you for the heads up! Recapping such a long show is TOUGH! Take your time and enjoy the finale!
Cho,
Have really loved your recaps this season. I got behind on the episodes and had to catch up in order to try to make some intelligent remarks. So I just finished watching the finale and can’t wait for you to dissect it. Eagerly awaiting your post!
Thank you so much Mary Beary for following along this season. It has been such a joy for me personally.
Too late, but my heart was for Wendell all the way.
My brain tried hard to think it would be Wendell, but really worried in would be Com (while acknowledging that he and Wendell were the only worthy players at final six)
My gut was all twisted up!!
Now I can read the recap!
Be sure to let me know your thoughts on the updated post as well! http://tamaratattles.com/2018/05/24/survivor-finale-wait-we-have-a-tie/