By Guest Correspondent ChoHey, it’s Cho! Excuse me if this SURVIVOR Recap is a little off-kilter. I feel like I’m literally on the edge of extinction myself! I’m suffering from a cold, and my life is actually a circus show right now. Luckily for us, you can rest assured that this episode of Survivor will be equally messy, because it’s the loved ones visit! If you missed the last episode where Wardog was finally put down, please check that out here!
Right after tribal council, Rick Devens complains about how he’s at the bottom and is in a desperate situation. Ron Clark has happened to lie to him at every turn. He’s working overtime to manipulate Rick into continuing to trust him. He succeeds when he gives Rick the clue from the advantage he got on day one. Unfortunately for Rick Devens, the clue has already expired. Ron is dastardly, I tell ya!
The Loved Ones Visit
OK, get your box of tissues out. The loved ones challenge is here. Everyone squeals. Everyone cries. I’m also sniffling, but only because I have cold I swear. A commenter from last week brought up Aurora being in a foster home, so I am interested in seeing who she has visit. Ron Clark’s husband comes out, and OMG he is HOT!! Ron introduces his husband to “his new friends”. Aurora’s brother, Shane, shows up who she compares to a father. Even Gavin cries, who reveals that his wife moved the wedding up so that he could come play Survivor.
Not only are they playing for the loved ones to visit, but they are also playing for fried chicken and apple pie! This is a weird combination, no? Ron Clark ends up winning the reward! He picks Julie & Gavin to also receive visits from their loved ones. Victoria Baamonde remarks that Ron’s picks could make or break his game. Ron Clark is getting the maximum impact out of his picks. Gavin is very grateful for Ron picking him to have his honeymoon on the island, and Ron recognizes that this was a powerful gift to give. Ron’s husband reassured him that he needs to continue to play hard to bring home the money.
Rick Devens Is Enemy #1
Rick Devens is the prime target. While he was out searching for an idol, Lauren and Aurora decide to go through his bags to search for a possible idol or clue. He comes back to find Aurora McCreary rummaging through his belongings. He immediately confronts her, but she is unapologetic about being caught. Ron Clark advises him to keep his belongings hidden, because obviously he doesn’t want the other pawns to know he gave Rick false hope with his expired clue.
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With this episode being really obvious, Rick Devens ends up conveniently finding a clue to the immunity idol. Ha! He starts searching for it in the middle of the night, because he doesn’t want the others to know that he actually has it. It’s literally right above the shelter, and Rick has to climb the trees while not disturbing his tribemates. This is definitely a game changer!
Rick Devens Is First To Drop In Immunity Challenge!
The immunity challenge is a simple endurance challenge. Rick drops first and starts confronting Aurora McCreary about how she’s going to be the next target after he’s gone since she’s won so many immunities. He’s not exactly wrong about that, but Aurora retorts that Rick simply needs to go next. Ron drops next, and they have a whispered conversation about Aurora being the next target. Gavin Whitson ends up winning his second immunity! Ron Clark gloats some more about how things are working perfectly and that Rick will go home next. We’re totally being set up for a classic Survivor blindside! And honestly, Ron Clark should have learned from being so arrogant. Remember what happened last time?
Back Up Plans for Back Up Plans
After the immunity challenge, Rick is totally feeling the heat, because no one is talking to him except for Ron and Julie. They reassure him that they’re on his side, even though they are lying through their teeth. Ron, Julie and Gavin are planning for Rick to cast his vote for Aurora McCreary. Rick is definitely planning on voting her out and playing his idol.
Meanwhile, Lauren and Victoria are sick of being on the bottom and losing control of the game. They decide that they don’t want Rick Devens to be the one to choose who goes home if he plays an idol, so they hatch a plan to dump the extra votes onto Ron Clark instead! The only problem is that they decide Aurora should give her extra vote to Gavin Whitson in case there’s a revote after a tie. No, I’m not following either. This makes no sense. Once again, Aurora is making WEIRD strategic decision with her advantages. She should totally give her extra vote to Lauren or Victoria, because they will be more loyal than Gavin Whitson who admits that it would be hard for him to betray Ron who just gave him the loved ones reward.
Tribal Council
Rick Devens starts us off with exposing Aurora for looking through his belongings. The jury gasps. We get into a discussion about how there are many back up plans for backup plans, which makes the game somewhat random. Ron Clark says how sorry he was to not see Lauren or Victoria get to see their dads. The girls roll their eyes and retort that his choices have a huge impact on the game. It’s time to vote. I have no idea who’s going home! Rick Devens pulls out the advantage that Ron gave him, but it’s wrong! He lambastes both Ron and Julie for being untrustworthy, manipulative liars who lie! Then, he takes out the real idol, and BAM he’s safe! Jeff reads the votes: Devens, Devens, Rick, Devens, Aurora, Ron, Ron and Ron is voted out 3-1!
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Our post-merge villain is voted off with the jury basically cheering, but what are your thoughts? Did you think Ron’s husband was a hottie? What about Gavin’s decision to betray Ron? Is Rick running away with the game? Was Aurora right to rummage through Devens’s belongings? As always, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms to stay in touch with me throughout the entire week: Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and Twitch! See you next week for another Survivor Recap!
I had to start writing myself an email because I am so into this episode. Sorry if this is long.
First of all I am shocked that Ron is openly married. I have so many questions. Is that why he started his own very successful school? Because gay men in Atlanta lie about their sexuality if they teach in public school. I also wonder if this is the first time he has gone public?
The minute it was a teamwork challenge I knew Ron would win. I was happy.
Now with his husband he is saying he picked people to loyally follow him. This is gay admin 101. Been there, done that. Had him turn on me and make my life miserable. Suddenly he is that principal all over again and I want him to DIAF. Or at least fall into one and have to be air lifted out like Michael Skupin on Outback. The best people in my life are gay male friends. Few are awful, but Ron is reminding me of one of the worst.
I’m ready for him to GO. And he did! YAY
I think this is the first time he has shared anything public regarding his personal life. If you saw the Ron Clark movie it had him dating a woman.
I had no idea he was openly married, but I did hear that there’s a movie about him somewhere or something where they actually wrote him a WIFE instead of a husband. Interesting!
Ron was definitely a good villain. Y’all know I love a villain. He was a favorite of mine this season.
What, There is a movie about Ron? Who is he? What’s his claim to fame/success to get movie made about him?
Just youtube Ron Clark Academy and you’ll learn all about his story. He’s a super successful guy that has really impacted the lives of thousands in such a positive way. He works in education.
Ron’s husband IS a hottie!
I am not a Devens fan, but was pleased to see Ron exit to the Edge.
I wish going through bags was illegal in Survivor.
Sending virtual vitamin C and Cold-Eeze your way, Cho!
I think going through bags is CHEAP and should definitely be illegal, but I can’t help but like the drama of it all. Thank you for the well wishes! <3
Nothing strange at all about chicken and apple pie. Baseball, chicken and apple pie is an American statement.
I guess you’re right! It does make sense, just like chicken and waffles!
Yes Ron’s husband is a hottie! Cho, I had that cold last week. It only lasted about 4 days if that helps. You have to admire Devens. He came back from extinction and has been on a roll ever since. He is their biggest threat because if he makes it to the final three, he will win. My heart goes out to Aurora. Growing up in foster care and then being iced out by her cast mates has to be really tough. It just goes to show her mettle. If she makes it, she could garner the sympathy vote. Thanks for the recaps. You, too, TT. Life has been a bit topsy-turvy. I always catch up on posts but haven’t had time to comment.
Devens has definitely had a huge impact on the entertainment factor this season. I still find him hard to root for, because he just doesn’t seem like a great player? But the jury will for sure love him. He definitely makes me laugh.
I do feel bad for Aurora, but I don’t think she’s doing herself many favors with the cast. She’s currently one of my favorites. I hope she makes it to the end and makes a good showing. She’s just such a boss bitch.
I’m feeling a bit better but now my ear is clogged up and has been for a while now on and off. I think I need to see a doctor. My life has been an ABSOLUTE mess as well, so I wish you well. Thank you so much for taking the time to check in on TT and I with your comment. <3
Cho, I was sick for 15 days with a “virus” that I believe was the flu. If it continues, go to the doctor! I was on a steroid pack for 6 days and penicillin. I hope you feel better soon.
Fried chicken and apple pie are a staple on Sunday after church in Indiana.
Yes, go through their belongings, it is a game that you can win for a million dollars. I don’t see a problem with it. Remember when Rupert stole the other teams shoes? It is part of the game. Aurora isn’t the first person to go through someone’s bag. That is why they hide their idols in the dirt.
I thought it was so cute when Rick Devins stopped the challenge to talk to his wife. That was so sweet. It shows their relationship is based on communication. YES, Rick’s husband is HOT! What, Ron Clark in a movie?! How did I miss this fact? I really do like Ron as a player. He played to win. So did Wardog.
Did Aurora’s extra vote expire? Aurora with her brother was nice to see. I wondered who she would bring to the game since she was in foster care. I feel bad for her, but then she does bring it on herself by getting caught looking thru Rick’s bag. She had zero remorse getting caught. Which I 100% support because this is a game to win a million dollars. Out wit is part of the motto, or am I delusional?
Remind me why Lauren can’t stand Rick? After this last vote, I believe Rick deserves to win. He was AWESOME during tribal. Good for him calling out Ron and Julie. Julie is just a passenger. She needs to go next. This is what I love about Survivor. The game changes weekly. I have a different favorite every week. I also wonder when are they bringing back someone from extinction? How many more weeks do we have this season?
My cold has pretty much gone away I think but now my ear is plugged up. Whenever I burp, I can hear again but then it closes again. LOL Should I go to the doctor? I don’t like sticking things in my own ear. My grandfather always said I was a bull in a china shop so I’m afraid I’ll damage myself. I’m not very dainty when it comes to doing anything physically.
When you put it that way, I guess I take back my comment about it being illegal to search through stuff. You’re right: going through belongings has always been a part of the game. Aurora was such a boss when she was confronted. I respected her standing her ground too. She’s one of my favorites this season. This last TC was the LAST time Aurora could use her extra vote.
Lauren hates Rick because he came back into the game HATING Wentworth/Lauren/Wardog. They just haven’t ever recovered since their early beginnings when they had to turn on each other, because they kept losing. He’s definitely had a lot of luck in the game, but he is a FIGHTER, and I definitely respect his effort.
Julie is ugh. No clue on when they’re bringing someone back. I feel like it should be sooner than later. It would SUCK if they brought someone back right before the end and they ended up either being a goat or simply winning the game. That would be so stupid…
I’m really liking Devens! When he first came back I was like, okay get him immediately back out, but nowI feel like he’s earned this so far.
Okay Joe’s hair was CRAZY!! (like when u c a waterfall- amazing) and it’s all natural! Those waves too.
Yeah I think you aren’t the only one who has felt that way. Devens has definitely brought the entertainment and the FIGHT. He’s not going out easily.
Joe is so beautiful.
Julie needs to be next. She is extra baggage now and I am tired of her crying on every epsiode. Doesn’t Lauren still have an idol that she is coveting? If so, my money is on her. She has played the game well. I am all for going through someone’s bag as there is $1,000,000.00 at stake and if he is dumb enough to leave it exposed while off hunting for an idol, he deserves to be searched. That said, I am liking Deven’s game.
I agree, everyone knows that people will go through your stuff looking for your idol. that’s why you keep it in your crotch or bury it.
Aurora is kind a competition BEAST. I’m pulling for her at this point.
I do love this season.
SAME! I love Aurora so much!!
Julie is so annoying. Agreed. And yeah, Devens is gaining support through clutch immunities and advantages.
Aurora had every right to do what she did. She and Lauren are playing hard. I think Lauren is playing a great under the radar game. She still has her idol too.
Oops! Typed my name wrong. Now in moderation. Sorry!
Hope you are feeling better Cho! I love this point in the game, I now know everyone’s name, lol. I also love how the drama is amped up and there are more surprises and game changers. I figured when Ron said he was in control of the game it would be over for him. Yes, his husband was hot. I am so impressed with Devens’ play, and how he is enjoying the game so much. He is wonderful to watch. He and Aurora in the final three would be the best.
I want to see what else is going on at the Edge of Extinction. They must be losing their minds. And when is one of them going back into the game? I picture it being like Top Chef, where they unveil the final person to join the tribe in the penultimate show. They need to do it soon!
Thanks as always for your comment. I am feeling a lot better actually. Devens is fun to watch. He’s definitely entertained me a lot recently. I’m not exactly rooting for him, but I don’t want him to leave. Does that make sense? haha
I think they really missed out with not showing us more of EoE on their youtube page. They could have even done like a mini series…
I wish we would have seen more of the flip from Devens to Ron. I believe Gavin was actually the key to it happening.
My best piecing together was that Victoria and Lauren went to Gavin and told them they wanted to get Ron out. Gavin then had a choice – stick with Ron and Julie or share that Aurora was the back up plan and move forth with the ladies. He choose to share and that solidified Gavin, Vic, Lauren and Aurora together for the vote.When he shared that he became the clear choice for having the extra vote and that’s why it was played in FIRST vote and not held on to for revote. They needed it for the numbers to ensure Ron went out on first vote and things didn’t change.
When they talked with devens to save him he MAY have also shared that he had idol (maybe he shared the fake one and that Ron knew) which might have pushed Gavin even more to use the extra vote on the first go so no risk of him or others on his side of vote would go in case Devens was a decoy vote.
I wish the show was not concerned with making sure EVERY vote was a blindside to the audience sontahtbwe could see more of these discussions like the older seasons, I may be way off with what I think happened.
Best tribal ever & can u imagine the players see him climb up that trees was awesome. Jury reaction was priceless.
Ok is it NEAM Voted out 1st, yet she was sitting in jury, I missed something lol.
Also AMR this season had 4 survivor couples, 4 BBUS couples, & 4 AR returnees , ITS been awesome.. Rupert is back … ?