S47, Episode 9: It's Time to Cause Chaos

This season has some strong players!  Humbled and teary, Sam is swinging big to flip the game, and he certainly caused chaos. Genevieve is strategically planting seeds and quietly building a resume. Teeny is using her social game to stay connected to everyone and contribute to the conversations. Gabe has built a strong alliance that insulates him. And despite feeling like she is on an island, Rachel has put herself in a position to impact the game. This could be an amazing final four, and I am eager to see how it plays out.

Takeaways

• Andy (Not Austin) is impacting the game, and yet only as a pawn for other players. If his latest hookup with Rachel works out, I'm calling them Anchel.
• Survivor just won't let up on opportunities to shift the game. With the last two pairs losing their votes, every element of the game seems to be a potential game-changer.
• Jeff is not Mr. Sympathy! I loved it when Andy and Sam ripped their bag, and Jeff said, "Yep, that's on you." I kind of wish he had just said, "Suck it up, buttercup."
• I dread the foothold challenge every time it's on. First, I don't really enjoy close-ups of dirty, beat-up feet in HD. Second, my feet ache just watching it, and I know I would be the first to drop. Jeff: "We're going to be up here for five minutes." Me: "Nope."
• Kyle doesn't win!? "You see, you see! He's not a machine! He's a man!"  (Rocky IV reference)
• The post-challenge split provided different outcomes for each group (feast, nothing, vote loss); it also created the opportunity for three different conversations about the game. I don't know if that was intentional, but it ultimately led to the chaos.
• I wasn't a fan of the burping contest between Sol and Gabe.
• Genevieve's move against Sol was rooted in the fact that he once targeted Rome. And Sue continues to hate Kyle because he wrote her name down three years ago. I am surprised that these emotions continue to burn.
• Caroline continues to be all bark and no bite. She speaks a good game but still lets others take the lead.
• And I love Kyle, but he needs to step up on the strategic end. His willingness to vote in any way that keeps him in the game will not earn him votes in the end. And Colby (Season 2) can attest, winning challenges doesn't win the jury.
• Strategically, Rachel shouldn't have told Sam about the plan to target Sol, but it sure made for good TV.
• Finally, someone leaves without being angry or distraught. Great attitude, Sol!
• I loved Genevieve's reaction to seeing her plan come through: "Holy ___, that actually worked."

Quotes of the Episode

• Sol: "I would much rather have a cool cartoon burp than a weak ass burp."

• Genevieve: "What a ___ show."

Questions

• Teeny and Sam recognized the danger of Gabe's alliance with Sue and Caroline. Can they get Kyle, Andy, and Rachel on board to make a move?
• Is Jeff going to offer rice in exchange for players sitting out of the next challenge?

Last Week's Survey

What is your auction item of choice?

This Week's Survey