By Guest Correspondent ChoHey, it’s Cho and I’m back with another Survivor 40 Recap! Did you enjoy last week’s jam-packed premiere? If you missed out on that and don’t have 2 hours to catch up, you can quickly read last week’s recap here. Now let’s get into the recent episode!
On Dakal, Tony is trying his best to keep himself out of trouble by keeping busy. He built a humongous ladder that is really shoddy and will probably cause him to get killed. Everyone makes fun of Tony for this ridiculous idea. He really is trying to keep himself busy so that he doesn’t’ start searching for idols in front of everyone. Everyone wonders how Tony has survived life thus far. The first rung of the ladder breaks, but he does eventually get some fruit. Sarah believes that the Cops R Us alliance between her and Tony can actually work this season.
A Pair of Idols
Ben is trying to teach Denise how to find an idol. In his original season, he was a lone ranger, so he’s trying to work on his social game in order to win a second time. Denise goes on to find an idol that must be shared with someone else. Instead of being selfish, Ben actually suggests that she “bring someone else on board.” Denise wants to give half of the idol to Pavarti! WHY? Adam quickly talks her out of that really bad idea. Denise gives the other half to Adam. Everyone is worried that Ben is going to run his mouth… which he totally did last episode.
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Kim is still reeling from being on the outside from the last vote. She’s finding out that the more you’re on the bottom, the more you claw your way back up which makes you an even bigger target. She goes full throttle and finds the same type of two part idol that Denise found on the other tribe. Without an “Adam” to talk some sense into her, she decides to leverage the idol by giving it to Sophie who is somewhat in the middle of the tribe. Sophie views this as a stupid mistake, because she doesn’t have any allegiance to Kim and actually finds her to be one of the most socially adept players in the game.
Survivor Economy
Natalie and Amber are searching around for the next clue on the edge of extinction. The Edge of Extinction doesn’t seem as miserable and rough like it did last season. Amber reminds us that 16 years ago when she played Survivor, there were no such things as idols or twists like there are in modern Survivor. Amber is cute. Natalie ends up finding the next advantage to sell to someone else: it will allow them to leave tribal council and return to camp right before the votes are read.
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Of course, Jeremy is sold this advantage. He’s so thankful that she has his back, and is happy that he has an opportunity to use his tokens to keep himself in the game. He’s realized the power the tokens actually have. What do you all think about the fire tokens twist? I’m liking it a lot so far.
Boston Rob’s Bad Day
At the immunity challenge, Rob finds out that Amber was voted out, and he’s livid. It’s all really dramatic editing as the camera pans to Sandra’s cold face. She doesn’t give a FUCK! That’s our villain right there. The challenge is a stereotypical “pull this large chest full of puzzle pieces and assemble it later”. The challenge is pretty close as both tribes get their keys to unlock their final chest. Dakal pulls ahead with getting their chests to the puzzle makers: Sandra & Sophie.
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Sele finally gets theirs to Boston Rob & Denise. Sele quickly closes the gap, and we have a RACE! However, Sele and Rob spend an unusual amount of time organizing the pieces. So, Sandra & Sophie pull ahead for the win! The puzzle was a complete disaster for Sele, and Jeff Probst really rubs it in.
Rob receives a fire token from Amber being on the Edge of Extinction, and he’s super pissed about her potentially being taken out first. He shares this information with Parvati and wonders if Sandra was behind it. What would even make him think that if he thinks he’s besties with Sandra??? In regards to this rivalry, someone please make it make sense! He still feels secure in his relationships enough that he’s not concerned about leaving tonight. He and Parvati scheme on a way to get rid of a new-school player like Jeremy or Ben who they deem as both threats and wildcards.
The Paranoia Beast
Danni’s paranoia is getting the best of her and is feeling really insecure about her place in the tribe. In the midst of her insecurity, she spills the beans about a new-school vs old-school alliance right in front of Ben who is now ready to take Danni out. Danni may have just fucked over her own position. Danni is now unraveling and trying to take Parvati out which causes Rob’s core group to flip on Danni. Now the shit is hitting the fan, because the new school players see an opportunity to strike Rob and Parvati while they have the numbers. Parvati is in danger!
Tribal Council: Empty Your Bags!
At tribal council, they get right into discussing the complicated relationships at play. Parvati says that some people like Danni and Ethan never experienced idols. Danni says she played a loyal game in her season but that she’s disappointed to have not gotten that here. Parvati calls Danni out and says that it’s ridiculous when she’s been the one targeting Rob.
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Ben opens up a can of worms when he tries to call out the old school players who have an alliance. Unfortunately, Ben doesn’t know how to argue and gets trampled by Ethan, Parvati and Rob in a debate. He looks really stupid. I stand by the opinion that CBS rigged the game for him to win in his season. Suddenly, Rob demands the ENTIRE tribe to empty their bags to see who has an idol. I know Denise is full of anxiety. She luckily hides her idol during the mass chaos. More arguing ensues before Jeff reads the votes: Parvati, Danni, Danni, Danni, Danni and Danni is voted off unanimously for her mass paranoia and self-sabotaging ways this episode! She gives her token to Denise.
Final Thoughts
Tonight’s episode was definitely on the more light-hearted side. I really enjoyed watching tony behave like a lovable buffoon. That’s exactly how he gets you on his side. While we saw an old school player like Danni unable to adjust to the fast speed of today’s game, it was nice to see Kim sort of bounce back in terms of her confidence. The women are dropping like flies. Makes me think back to the opening scene when the women all struggle to get off the boat! What did you think of tonight’s episode? If you like what I do here on the site, be sure to support me in my other ventures elsewhere on the internet!
Omg! I love this season! I can’t believe they didn’t get rid of Rob. It proves my theory that Amber road Rob’s coat tails to win survivor. She hasn’t figured out the fire tokens. She is clueless.
Cho, I watch all day for your blog. You never disappoint. Thanks for the recap.
omg Joey you are far too sweet! I LOVE YOU! Amber totally rode his coattails. It’s undeniable.
I have lots of questions. The most important one is WHY THE HELL is EVERY doing whatever Rob wants? I get her mesmerized the first time players on his season. BUT THESE ARE ALL WINNERS? Why aren’t they taking out Rob and Sandra FIRST?
The Sele tribe now has 5 new school and three Old School if they go back to tribal they could easily get Rob out! But will they?
Also, I think all of y’all are reading way too much into the Rob and Sandra thing. Sandra is pissed that Rob didn’t tell her he was on the show. Rob still thought Sandra was allied with him when he got the token and realized Amber was gone. Then he wondered why Sandra didn’t/couldn’t save Amber. He has no idea she is pissed at him. Then he says if Sandra had anything to do with Amber leaving he will be pissed, BECAUSE IN HIS MIND THEY ARE TOGETHER. But now he is doubting that.
And, Cho, refresh my memory on Ben’s rigged season? I think that memory was stored in the brain cells I drank away and/or my early onset dementia. 😉
Also, I had to edit in my biggest thing of this episode. MY GIRL DENISE is not playing well. She wanted to give half of her idol to PAVARTI? If not for Adam talking sense into her, she would have been just as dumb as Kim was giving half of hers to Sophie. I get if you don’t have a number one at this point in the game, but as soon as you did, you need to get one and spend time with them and then see if they seem solid enough to share your idol with. Frankly, those half idols are always a problem and I would probably let mine expire. Yes, I hear the gasping, but you just watch. The people with the half idols will probably wish they never had them.
Ben was about to be voted out at 4 but they suddenly introduced the fire making challenge for 3rd place which he easily won. He should have been gone not taken to final 3. Still pisses me off lol.
I totally agree with you. Parvati, Rob and Sandra are like the greatest of the greats and they are slipping by. The longer they remain, the more insidious their games become and the harder they are to get out.
Denise almost making the mistake of giving her idol half to Parvati was LOL She would have immediately been blindsided somehow. I also would just get rid of the idol. It’s too complicated to use and depends on someone else’s game benefiting yours. Too many variables.
I think I’m just so used to things being complicated that I can’t see the simplicity of Sandra & Rob’s beef. IT’S A LEGIT CONSPIRACY THEORY I SWEAR!
Per the comment above, Ben’s season is when they introduced the F4 Fire-Making twist. The most stupid rid-worthy twist ever!
They absolutely should have taken their shot at Rob right away. I don’t want to watch people follow Rob like little lambs to slaughter.
Neither do I!!!! Geesh!!!
I actually love watching Boston Rob. It’s more fun to watch him play these winners now, because it makes him look that much more impressive. It was less fun to watch him play with the Fans in his last season because he really trampled over them. at least he’s actually working this time around. No cake walk.
And the other tribe was brave enough to take Amber out.
I would follow the Robfather anywhere! Just saying.
Cho- great recap. I’ll be honest and admit I would be one of those that would be tripping over myself to work with Rob. His survivor track record is so darn good that those that have taken a shot at him have ended up shooting themselves in the foot. I think he is likeable, smart, great at challenges and when he screws up he owns it and doesn’t make excuses. He is like French fries, golden and a little salty on the outside, tender on the inside but if you bite into them to soon you burn yourself and after you indulge in a large serving you regret it just little for giving in but damn they taste soooo good!
Never be a follower if you want to win. Only leaders win. Following Boston Snob is for losers.
Loving this season so far but these players need to wake up and play the game. Snob lost for his team on his best challenge-a puzzle and he’s pretty doughy for the physical challenges. Even he seems pretty sleepy.
Justso, PLEASE READ THE COMMENTING RULES!
Justo- Geez! Who peed in your cornflakes?
Those are the best flavor!
Ok, I would love to take credit for this theory, but I can’t – a friend at work heard it on a podcast…and here you go: If Sandra and Rob are gunning for each other they remain a little safer overall. It’s a smart move on their part. If they are considered allies (and they would have been – they spent the whole last season as buddies) they have an extra huge target on their backs. If they can keep the narrative on their respective teams that they are furious with one another then they stand a better chance of making it to the merge. This theory was thrown out there as being a lucky break for Sandra and Rob, but after hearing it I wondered if it wasn’t part of a bigger plan they both had thought of. It makes sense, they both are absolute masters of them game. What I do think ended up being great luck for Rob was having Amber voted onto an island where she can now help him remotely. Anyways – loving the new season and so glad you are recapping it!!
/bangs head
I’m sure I’m going to piss TT off here, but this was my theory from the 1st episode. Of course it’s logical that Rob and Sandra should be voted off first, but the ratings would tank if that happened. That’s why they didn’t draw buffs at random, they were purposely assigned to separate tribes.
And I’m really liking the “token economy” twist. This episode was kind of a filler for explaining how it is going to work. But, I agree with TT in that I would probably let that split idol expire, too. It could really bite you in the ass this early and for many reasons. I’m already finding myself liking some and not liking others. Next weeks episode looks like it’s going to be good! Thanks for another great recap, Cho!
It would not really matter if Rob was voted off first because of Tempation Island he would still be on the show. And I’m not mad. It just all seems pretty straight forward to me. I will probably feel suckered by production when they are final two and admit they had some vast conspiracy theory to get to the end together. But at this point it just seems like everyone, not just us here in this forum think it is some sort of grandiose plan.
Well if it’s any consolation, my daughter agrees with you, Tamara. She has to wait until Thursdays to watch bc she has to stream it (no decent cable in her college town) so we have our Survivor discussions after she catches up. I was told,”really, mom? You are way over thinking it”.
/bangs head
🙂
I just tried to respond to one of Cho’s Tweets on the subject by calling ALL OF YOU STUPIDS FROM STUPIDVILLE; But it wouldn’t go through. Perhaps it was considered hate speech. And yet all of Trumps tweets go right through.
Your daughter is my onliest friend.
TT and your daughter would be voted off. The rest of us crazy stupids would eat each other alive.
Lol!
and I was thinking Rob was going to be sent to the island and he and Amber were going to form a super team and be the “winners” of the Island and then get back into the game. That would have been cool.
Wow that would have been a story line. It’s not too late for that to happen though. haha
Well, if me and my new best friend, whatshername are right, then I am going to make you eat pork on your Twitch feed. Still feeling confident???
IJCjr 😂
The biggest problem is the Rob/Amber duo. No one else has that advantage. And now if Rob is voted out, he joins Amber on extinction island and they can actively communicate in real time.
oh hey I just said something like that!
And there’s a sense of strategy that eventually takes place on Edge of Extinction. They definitely will have the advantage once they’re there together.
YOU’RE TOTALLY ON THE MARK! I’m right there with you on the conspiracy theories, Lisa! You’re just as crazy as me. LOL
So happy to have you here! <3
If you notice the immunity idol; it looks like the eyes are tokens.
This is why I love this website and Survivor. I never noticed this before. Also, the comment about Rob and Sandra pretending to be enemies makes complete sense. Draw the attention away from their alliance. I hate that everyone is following Rob. His ego is huge. He thinks he is the Godfather of Survivor.
He is THE ROBFATHER! Put some “respeck” on that name! lol. Personally, I want Sandra to drag his ass right out of the game.
Nick has stated/tweeted that production would not allow them to remove the eyes/tokens from the immunity idol
Hands down, survivor is my absolute favorite reality/comp tv series.
For that reason, despite being aware that ALL reality tv has some level of production interference( and being able to spot it quite often) , I’ve purposely kept myself naive about it/ choose to ignore it. And it’s worked, the series remains enjoyable for me after all these years( can’t say the same about B igbrother, which I dropped out of years ago).
That being said ,
Last night left me baffled.
There was No reason why Rob ( or even parv, who was a slightly less better option) weren’t voted off..
As is obvious, best case scenario was adam+ Denise using idol (if needed, I don’t know how much they trust Jeremy) to vote off rob. Thus leaving the old school alliance stupidly weak ( As there would still be a riff between Danni and the rest of them ).
But even then, let’s say they didn’t want to get rid of the idol this soon, parv would have still been a decent pick.
Voting Danni made absolutely no sense for the new school players. Like at all.
It’s left me feeling like there HAD to have been some production interference.
We all know rob, parv, Sandra are production/ probst darlings. So if not direct interference.. Perhaps the players were afraid of piissing production off by voting them off this early?( And paying the consequences)
I would agree that it didn’t make sense for them to vote Danni out. I mean, it was apparent that she was a PARANOID MESS. Maybe they assume they still have the power to get rid of them next tribal… which they do, but things simply aren’t that easy. Sometimes, you gotta take your shot when you’re up to bat.
I will say, the production interference isn’t as obvious on CBS. There’s some level of integrity thankfully. I don’t watch Big Brother anymore because 1) it comes on too much and 2) I can’t suspend my disbelief to get into it as a legit competition.
Thank you for commenting. I hope you come back!!
The production interference on BB is taken to be part of the game at this point. On the live feeds we literally see players say they need to keep someone out of the DR until after the game. Some people are more easily influenced by production than others.
The majority of the production influence comes in the form of selecting the challenges. For example if they want a male or a female to win they can choose a challenge they think benefits the winner they want. However the challenges themselves are legit and production doesn’t always get the winner it wants. 🙂 So the players are playing against the others and production. If you think of it that way, it’s still fun.
Btw, who are y’all rooting for? For me it’s Nick and Kim( I really enjoyed them on their respective seasons).
I’d also really dig a third win for Sandra ( but that’s far fetched).
And also curious about parvs game play( because of her reputation).. I’ve seen her play before, but I was a kid then, so don’t remember much.
I actually have a lot of people that I want to see go deeper into the game: Sandra winning for a third time would be so fucking epic I’m not gonna lie. As overrated as Boston Rob is, I do want to see him go far. Same goes for Tyson. I also love Parvati, Wendell, Yul, and Jeremy!
Parvati is a GENIUS manipulator. She has played a lot of times and done well in most of her seasons. She mostly would attach onto an attractive strong man and then have him get voted out before her when he became a hindrance or was used as a shield. Not only is she competitive in the challenges, but she’s just so amazing in the social game. Very deceptive. She was the leader of the “Black Widow Brigade” in the season that she won. Very impressive gameplay there. And some people would argue that she should have beaten Sandra in Heroes vs Villains.
I kinda love Parvati. It’s great seeing an evolved Parvati. She’s a mother not. Not some single vixen manipulating the men on the island. Super excited to see how she does.
I love me some Wendell! And Jeremy! And Adam! And Yul! I like most of the guys. I don’t remember a lot of the females. Like Danni. No memory of her at all so, I didn’t care she left.
Well we can at least agree on the men!
Cho, don’t let Parvati’s new motherhood fool you. She’s already cozied up to Rob and is playing the same game she always does. Master manipulator, indeed!
I’ll even take the conspiracy theory a step further and just put it out there that it’s possible that Sandra sent Ambuh to the other island for other reasons! Like they could have a F3, but knowing Amber probably won’t make it she can at least help them both. But what do I know? I’m just a stupid from stupidville! Haha!
I heard this theory on a podcast also with a recent former player. Danni was voted out unanimously. It was not a live tribal. Everyone but Danni knew who was getting voted out. There was theater at Tribal to make sure Danni continued to believe it wasn’t her. I don’t think Rob saying everyone empty your bags was preplanned but again more theater and Rob being Rob. I think there is a mixed alliance between old school and some new school players. Now it is just a question of which new schoolers are in with Rob, Parv and Ethan. I think it is at least Adam and Ben and maybe Denise, but it could be Jeremy and Michelle. I agree Danni ruined her own game, but Rob/Parv/Ethan know they have to have at least 2 others to have a majority on this tribe and must at least think they have it in order to be ok with losing Danni. There is a lot we don’t see and are dependent on the edit that gives the best and most cohesive story. Danni even said it didn’t go down exactly like this. Danni must have also thought she had numbers too to take out Parv. That is why we don’t see her scrambling. There is always more going on than we know and the show has time to tell. These are some of the best players ever. Even ones like Ben that a lot of people aren’t fond of and there is no way Adam can’t put his torch in a hole. I think some of these players are playing up weaknesses that others perceive of them or trying to make themselves look less threatening. I’m sure someone will say I’m overthinking and maybe I am but I put NOTHING past any of these players. Great recap again, Cho!
Oh Tribal Council is a shit show / circus show / theatrical drama every single time. No one wants to reveal their hand before the vote but you have Jeff all up in your business, so it’s one big game of “saying something to my allies but not enough to rile up my enemies” you know what I mean? That’s why every vote is literally a blindside.
This season is full of absolute legends. There’s a lot going on that we can’t even imagine I’m sure.
Thanks for the comment.
And yet it remains, women and black people first. I’m worried about Jeremy and Wendell.
Wendell will be fine. He’s looked upon as non-threatening.
More Wendall, Jeremy and Yul please!!!