Hey, it’s Cho and I’m currently at a Starbucks waiting for my car to get an oil change. It’s always way more dramatic than I’d like, so ask me for the story of how I flipped out on Firestone once! The game has definitely changed as we entered into a tribal switch last episode. Hopefully the island of idols visit will return this episode, because I missed Sandra & Rob. Now onto tonight’s Survivor 39 recap!
Tom was voted off in the last tribal council which would make Karishma and Dean the easiest targets on the new Lairo tribe, right? Things should be simple, and they will be picked off. This just makes sense, no? No, because Noura wants to rock the boat and target Jamal and Jack whom targeted her earlier in the game. Dean listens to Noura scheming against her fellow tribemates, but correctly views her as unreliable and crazy. He throws her under the bus to Jamal who decides that Noura leaving next should be his biggest priority.
On Vokai, the issue is still the possibility of a 4-4 tie and drawing rocks. Elaine says that she trusts her 4 implicitly to go to a tie. In classic CBS editing, they immediately cut to Missy & Elizabeth vowing to never go home due to rocks and Aaron directly saying he plans on voting Elaine out if there’s a tie vote. Elaine is too trusting of her original alliance, and she’s going to flip out when she realizes she’s been betrayed.
Jack’s Microaggression
Jamal is teaching his tribemates how to do West African dances which is a great sight to see. Jack says how refreshing it is to see Jamal opening up and expressing himself. Not minutes after this lovely exchange, Jack makes a poor joke about Jamal having a “durag” instead of a buff. Jack is immediately embarrassed and they have a grown-up mature conversation about why this is wrong.
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CBS handled this dialogue extremely well. Why can’t all people talk about race, privilege and societal perceptions in this way? Bravo to Jack and Jamal both! Jamal cries at how strong his relationship with Jack is and how grateful he is to have received a genuine apology. This whole scene was really touching.
Elaine Has Gusto!
We get to the reward challenge, and everyone is utterly shocked that Karishma wasn’t voted off at the previous tribal council. Vokai choose elaine to sit out the challenge but inadvertently gets sent to the island of idols. Watching Aaron’s body during this challenge is a delight. He ends up winning chickens for the vokai tribe. Dan assumes the worst with Elaine going to the island of idols and wishes that their tribe will just keep winning so that they don’t have to plan around an idol.
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On the island of the idols, Rob & Sandra have a lot of time so Rob is building a “mansion” shelter. Elaine hopes her visit will be a game changer and is elated to meet her favorite Survivor players. Before Rob even explains her test, Elaine accepts her task. Elaine explains that the million dollars would be nice, but she came here for the experience and some soul searching. Her task is to secretly grab an advantage in the middle of the next challenge. She gets nervous once she realizes that she could lose her vote.
When Elaine arrives back on Vokai, she hooks up with Elizabeth to strategize on how she will win her advantage. It’s nice to see people openly talking about the island of the idols twist like this. At the immunity challenge, I’m already nervous for Elaine. Omg, Elaine drops the advantage but then picks it up. Lairo struggles, but they come back at the very end! Elaine successfully has the block a vote advantage, but my gut tells me it won’t be as simple as that with her untrustworthy backbiting allies.
Aaron Takes Control of the Vote
Jason likens Elaine to the chicken that they’re going to kill before tribal council. Elizabeth and Elaine then go on to try to reel Missy and Aaron back in with the news of Elaine’s advantage. They celebrate being able to pick off whichever Vokai member they want, but Aaron is secretly planning to betray Elaine and gain loyalty with new allies. We get good reasons why all of Jason, Tommy, Lauren and Dan should go home, but we are left not knowing who their real target is. There’s so much left in the open going into the vote! Who will Elaine target? Is Elaine going home?! Aaron is going to ultimately decide everyone’s fate.
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We get to the tribal council where our heroine Elaine will meet her fate. It’s an old fashioned stand off between Vokai and Lairo. Tommy & Dan try to make Lairo drink some kool aid. It’s all bullshit to be honest. In the middle of all the negotiations, Elaine puts a stop to it all by sharing her advantage openly with everyone. She blocks Jason’s vote who is now shaking in fear.
Another Blindside!
Lauren is in tears at the thought of going home. The whispering ensues and people are saying it needs to be Elaine. Aaron tells Tommy that they’re good right before the reveal. Are they? Jeff reads the votes: Elaine, Elaine, Elaine, Jason, Jason, Jason and the next person voted off is Jason! Lauren’s loud gasp actually makes me laugh out loud. Jason tells everyone to not trust Aaron on the way out. Tommy gives Aaron a look of pure rage while Lauren cries.
Wow, what a fucking MESS this was! Aaron’s overplaying will undoubtedly get him in trouble moving forward and make a huge target out of himself. I’m just happy that Elaine was able to stick around. What are your thoughts? Happy with the outcome? What about Aaron the snake? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. If you like what I do here on the site, be sure to support me in my other ventures elsewhere on the internet!
This was a GREAT episode. I was on the edge of my seat during tribal. It is also the episode where I came to despise Lauren. I love Elaine and you can tell Rob and Sandra do too!
I knew Lauren’s shadiness would be taken negatively by most, but I appreciate it. She’s a bit cocky. This was the first time she’s actually been challenged. It’ll be good for her.
I’m so happy Elaine survived. I’m rooting for her. She’s gonna continue to be targeted!
Cho- Amazing recap! I’ve been in the hospital for the past week because my body is rejecting my liver transplant for the seventh time. Your recaps and TT’s posts are the sunshine on some really stormy days. Thank you both! I really like Jamal! The conversation he had with
Jack was beautiful. He wasn’t angry or defensive. I hope he opened viewers eyes to the struggles others have. Aaron is definitely the seasons eye candy.
Seven liver transplants? How is that even possible? Hang tough, my friend.
Kerry — I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they can stop whatever is making you reject the liver. I believe what you meant is that it is chronic rejection. Please keep us posted. xoxo
Cho — Thank you for the recap. I missed the show, but obviously I know what happened. I want to see it for myself, so I can comment on this episode. It sounded like a really good one.
Yes for sure Laila. I’m excited to hear your thoughts! <3
Wow Kerry I had no idea. It breaks my heart to hear that you’re going through such a tumultuous time in your life. I’m happy this community is able to brighten your day even a tiny bit!
I really have newfound respect for Jamal and the way he handled Jack. And also Jack’s openness to being ignorant and willing to learn. Aaron is definitely hot stuff!
Cho- Thank you! Can’t wait for next weeks recap.
Hi Kerry,
I have cirrhosis and pre-transplant. Haven’t had a drop to drink since I woke up from my coma almost 5 years ago when I was so ill, I literally died in my moms living room. She found me and to save the long diatribe, been keeping my MELD score down for 4 years now (it’s currently 10).
I commend you and pray for you and your health and strength! You are what motivates me to keep myself doing all I can.
I don’t know your story but regardless, organ transplantation is serious and we do reject, and sometimes we can get it to turn around or we would need a new liver.
I do hope and pray that you get better soon and Keep on trucking! You are EXTRAORDINARY!
With all my liver love,
Amy Suter
I though Jamal and Jack’s conversation was wonderful, but I think it’s also important to remember that this was a best-case scenario in that Jamal had the communication and emotional intelligence, in a moment of deprivation and exhaustion, to remain calm and centred, while Jack managed to not centre his own embarrassment and discomfort.
That is AMAZING, and the reason we got to witness a text book example of discussion micro-aggressions and the concept of privilege – I kind of hope they put Jamal’s explainer on that up as a secret scene tbh.
That said, I’d hate for a “good reaction” narrative to form around it, framing people who may not be as strong in that moment as having a bad reaction. While I wish the entire world was full of Jamal’s, I can also respect and understand others feeling too exhausted mentally to be a ‘teacher’ in that moment.
Very glad he was out there to have it, though.
It was a beautiful example for all of us, really. Survivor is an fine example of great reality TV. Just putting people on an island and sitting back to watch what happens.
I totally understand your sentiments here. This was the perfect storm except in a good way. Jamal was patient. Jack was understanding and open to learning. You had two “good” people with good intentions just trying to understand one another and grow from this particular experience.
You’re right though: you won’t see this happening all the time in the real world. This scene just gave me a lot of hope for race relations being less tense in the future.
TT & Laila- Thank you for the well wishes. Sorry for the confusion, one liver transplant in 2007 and seven rejections since. My antibodies are attacking my liver. The doctors have been able to reverse it but don’t know why it keeps happening.
Kerry – Thank you for updating. Even though it is rejecting, I am glad to hear that the doctors can put a stop to it and help you. Your situation is dear to my heart. Hope you are doing well. Take good care of yourself. <3
Thank you for the update. You are in my thoughts. I hope these blogs continue to be a healthy distraction.
Hey Cho, thank you for the recap..
I thought this episode was very good. Jamal was so nice and informative with Jack. It was refreshing to see. Elaine is another one who jumps and says “yes” right away. I like her though. I didn’t understand how she knew she would be voted out (or a tie), but I am glad Jason left. I think Ellen, Tommy and that other guy voted against Elaine and Aaron kept her, which is good.
I really enjoy Sandra and Rob commenting while watching them. They are the best part of the episodes. I think they are funny.Aaron is so nice looking. I hope he stays. I think he will.
Tell us about your Firestone battle anytime! One time, I went to a mechanic for an inspection. He changed my oil and charged me for it. I just had it done, so I didn’t need it an asked why. He said I needed an oil change to pass inspection. Lies!! Oh, and I left the car there and when I called to see if I could pick it up, they said I needed $600 worth of work. Lies! I got into an argument with the owner. He told me I could come back for a free oil change. I said “no way” and never went back to them.
Thank you for reading and commenting! I also thought that Jamal & Jack’s scene was so amazing to see. I hope everyone watching took a lesson from that scene and took it to heart. If only that would translate to the real world.
Sandra and Rob’s commentary is so hilarious. Whenever the camera is on them, I know I’m going to get a good chuckle out of it.
Your mechanic story sounds like an absolute nightmare. Once I have time, I will come back to this comment and tell the whole story. It’s a long one.
Sad news for Survivor fans. Rudy, from season one has died at 91. He was an old war veteran that developed an unexpected friendship with the winner, Rich who was a gay nudist. Rudy was reluctant to get to know him at first but eventually told Rich “I love you, but not in no homosexual way.” It’s a phrase I jokingly still say to people to this day.
Wow that’s really sad news. Rudy was a champion! I loved his and Rich’s unlikely friendship.
Im sorry to hear about Rudy. He formed that show into something very good.
Cho, thanks for the recaps. I actually am keeping up with what is happening (well 80%ish) lol.
Im really enjoying this season. 🙂
P.s. Rob and Sandra which i was dreading, ended up being really great. (I needed Survivor boot camp, so it’s really informative)
Kerry, i hadn’t read the comments. Sending, love, prayers, good thoughts, and pleasant dreams while resting. Hang in there kiddo. ???
Hi Cho and All…I came to read the recap cuz I can’t remember last week…or yesterday either, lol. I’m so glad I did. Great episode, and recap. Always love the comments but wish more would come back and love Survivor. This episode is why they should. Survivor stays relevant and yes TT, throw them on an Island and see what happens! Great things and also Russell Hantz things happen.
And Rudy things. 🙁 A life well lived RIP. I remember shouting NOOOOOOOOOO when his hand dropped from the pole. (??) I teared up at the Reunion when he revealed he’d had an alliance with Richard all along. At the unlikelihood of those two but his willingness. He reminded me so much of my Dad.
Kerry: my neph had rejection issues. Scary. But he’s been fine for over a year now. You will be too.
OFFICIALLY HALFWAY POINT!!! Loved this episode! I knew Aaron was a snake from day one & they should have voted him off in the beginning. Same thing with sketchy dude. This had as much suspense as a merge. I love Elaine. I liked Jason and wish it would have been Aaron or the older sketchy guy who I keep spacing on his name. But the fact that Elaine made it was super satisfying. Did Lauren really say that she thought Elaine was so stupid (implied retarded) that she wouldn’t know what to do with an idol? Well I guess Lauren got checked and I was loving it. Is it bad that I’m lusting over Boston Rob? I’m pissed I have stuff to do today so I have to break my momentum. I’m still hopeful I can get caught up soon!
Elaine’s “5’2” busted can of biscuits “ description of herself was adorable and I love that she is there for the journey after losing her mom. She’s my new favorite. I can’t stand Aaron. While I loved the conversation and the way it was shown between jack and Jamal, on a personality level I’m not a fan of either. But if it was for the greater good of a teaching moment for tv, I’m glad for that part. And even though I like Missy, she’s the poster child for why a girls alliance never works with Olympian Elizabeth being a close second in that sense.
Can’t wait to return to my binge!
I am so glad you are getting caught up!