S47 Episode 2: Spoiler Alert!!

 

Episode two was filled with more developing storylines and emerging characters, but my thoughts are consumed by the episode title, "Epic Boss Girl Move." Am I the only one who was bothered by this obvious spoiler alert?  Was it a done deal that Tiyana would vote as she did? No. But as the challenge unfolded, I knew that Tuku wouldn't come from behind, and I fully expected the episode to end as it did. Interesting decision from the production team.... 

Takeaways

• Rome proved to be a character that you will either love or hate. He's playing hard, found an idol, and is incredibly positive, so he should be someone you want to keep around. However, his cockiness and loquacious personality are getting on people's nerves. If he didn't know this while on the island, I wonder how he feels watching it from home.
• I was incredibly uncomfortable watching Gata babysit Andy (Not Austin), and I was embarrassed for him as he cut coconuts to the cheers of his tribe. Anika described him as a toxic, clingy boyfriend, but I felt like it was an episode of The Twilight Zone where the parents fear the child and are forced to smile and applaud for him or he will explode their heads.
• Speaking of Andy (Not Austin), his decision to not take the advantage should go down as one of the biggest blunders in the show's history, but he probably would have misplayed it anyway.
• Sam, didn't you watch Top Gun?? Never. Leave. Your. Wingman. 
• Rome and Sam both opted for the one-tribal immunity idol. Would they have pursued the three-tribal idol like Gabe if no one knew they had found the advantage?
• The immunity challenge did not seem as physical as previous challenges, but I loved that it appeared to be designed to increase tension within the tribes. First, the blind puzzle must have been incredibly frustrating for the people completing the puzzle and their tribe mates, who couldn't see where or why they were getting stuck. And the three-person snake-ball-track thing required teamwork, patience, and communication. As we saw with Sam and Anika, this had the opportunity to reveal (or develop) animosity that could carry into the future. 
• Did I see this correctly?  It looked like Sam stopped the ball before dropping it in just so he could emphasize the win with, "Who wants fish tonight?"  Douche move, bruh.  
• Gabe is playing hard and could go far in this game, but calling Caroline and Sue "wounded birds" who are desperate was annoying. I'm sure they sent some interesting texts during last night's show.
• Rachel shoving rice in her pockets was amazing. Jeff calling her on it was even better!
• This episode revealed what I love about this show, emotion versus strategy. You want to play strategically, but emotions have to get in the way when you are with people from sunrise to sunset. How much longer can Teeny tolerate Rome as she gets hungrier and more tired? From a tribal strength perspective, it made no sense to get rid of TK, but his personality caused Tiyana to question her alliance with him. You can never predict what will happen because each player plays this differently. 

Awkward Moment

• Teeny and Kishan digging through Rome's box-o-idols without any concern about him approaching. 

The Departed

• Relationships matter, so you have to listen and empower others. TK made it about TK, which is why Tiyana's instincts (which are never wrong) told her not to trust him. 
• I am a world-class napper who can fall asleep in any setting, but TK learned the hard way - don't talk during nap time!

Quote of the Episode

• Kyle: “They say that nice people can’t win his game, and I’m gonna say ___ right now.” Get it done, Kyle!

Questions

• Will Sam vs Anika come to a head in the next episode? Two strong personalities who are clearly at odds with each other... if they lose again, I expect a battle.
• Is Tiyana committed to Gabe and his little birds, or will she reconnect with Kyle? 

Last Week's Survey

Finding an idol or advantage can boost your game, but looking for them paints a target on your back. Would you risk breaking trust with your tribe to go look for an idol or advantage early on?

This Week's Survey