S47, E14: All’s Well

I won’t say that this was the best season of Survivor, but it certainly ranks among the best. While the outcome was not terribly surprising, the finale was filled with suspense, beginning with Rachel coming from behind and winning the final challenge. Throw in an epic fire-making battle and the strong, bantering arguments from Rachel and Sam, and you have a very satisfying finale. 

Perhaps my greatest joys of the season were the more articulate moments:

• Genevieve’s regrets about her decision to disconnect emotionally from her tribe mates
• Teeny’s reflection that her issues with Sam were about her own insecurities
• Sol’s realization that he had no idea what was going on in the game
• Rachel and Sam’s conversations about why they had not yet teamed up
• Sam’s rebuttal to Rachel’s claim that he was never targeted
• Rachel’s rebuttal that Sam couldn’t eliminate his biggest threat (her)
• Rachel explanation that she had everyone selling her game to the jury before she played her idol
• And let’s not forget Sue’s awkward revelation that it’s her birthday and she is 59… so forgettable, Sue

Takeaways

• Rachel’s come-from-behind challenge win once again demonstrated her focus and patience. At the start of the season, I never imagined that she would win an immunity challenge, let alone four.
• I still don’t understand why players don’t master fire-making before getting on the island. You have to envision being in that situation.
• I absolutely hate wind, but I am guessing that Teeny hates it just a little bit more.
• The vote didn’t reflect it, but Sam made an incredible argument for himself. Future Survivor contestants should watch this episode as a textbook example of how to make your case to the jury.
• Andy (Not Austin, retired) finished the season strong with his awesome reply to Sue’s statement that her biggest mistake was trusting him for a third time: “Awesome.”
• Sue kept saying that everyone was underestimating her. They estimated you just about right, Sue.
• I like that the after-show allows for raw reactions, but I also miss the reflections several months later and after they get to watch the show.  

Questions

• If Genevieve had made it to the end instead of Sam, how many votes would she have received?
• Who will get invited to participate in the 50th anniversary season?

Steve has spoken!