S47 Episode 10: Turn Off the Emotions

This is the part of the season where I become conflicted. I loved seeing Gabe get blindsided, yet I am disappointed that the strong get picked off, potentially leaving us with a weak final three (e.g., Season 43, Gabler). That's why one of the biggest challenges in the game is to play to the middle. Early on, weak players are liabilities and often go home; late in the game, strong players are threats and often go home. Play to the middle, where you are involved and contributing but not leading the way.

Takeaways

• Teeny was really impacted by Sol's departure, saying, "Everything I do from now on will be to avenge you."  New bucket list item: have someone avenge me! 
• Genevieve continues to pull out some great statements:  “The tallest blade of grass gets cut, and I grew a lot yesterday.” 
• I thought for sure someone would blow up Andy's (Not Austin's) attempt to have a final two with everyone on the island, but it never happened. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it looked like Andy (Not Austin) might be in a position to finish strong. I'm betting it was a one-off, and the smiling assassin is back to imploding next week.
• Hey everyone, in case you didn't know this, Sue hates Kyle. 
• Kyle, Sam, and Rachel crushed the reward challenge based on Kyle's quick understanding of and mastery of the challenge. He is a machine!
• Kyle finally talked strategy and discussed getting rid of Gabe. Unfortunately, Gabe was doing the same.
• I loved the conversation between Rachel and Sam, two frustrated players trying to find someone they can trust.
• Teeny is a reminder that we are all vulnerable. Teeny comes across as very confident and socially skilled, so I appreciated their confessional about a lack of confidence and struggles with identity. 
• Yes, the rice negotiations!  Jeff was a bit stingy with his demand that almost half of the players sit out. And I understand his perspective on losing your Shot in the Dark; it's your last hope. But I agree with Gabe on the power of your vote. How often do we see the shot in the dark played this late in the game?  Your vote matters unless you are clearly the target of a dominating alliance, which we don't have this season. 
• Kyle wins. Again. And it was super satisfying that he beat Sue, who (in case you haven't heard) hates Kyle.
• Gabe said, "Right now, I feel the best I've ever felt in this game." Oh, Gabe... how many times do I have to say it? As soon as you think you are running the game, you are toast.
• Caroline is again late to the game. She decided to go after Gabe, but that was already the plan. It's kind of like how I invented the "chip clip" only to find out they already sell them.
• How often do the two players up for elimination have names with the same first letter? I feel like it happens a lot where production can show the player writing the first letter, but it doesn't help us at all in figuring out who they voted for.
• Even though a lot happened in this episode, my thoughts are consumed with Sol's shirtless vest outfit!  Comment below on your thoughts... did he pull it off?
• My condolences to the Probst family on the recent loss of their beloved matriarch....

Quotes of the Episode

• Rachel: "You and balls, Jeff. I swear."

Questions

• Teeny had a rough day, but will she rise from the fire like the Phoenix (or her backpack)?
• Will one of the strong strategic players (Rachel, Sam, Genevieve) be the next member of the jury?

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